Hammers coaches endorse Trott deal
WHUFC.com
First team keeper coach Chris Woods was delighted after youngster Nathan
Trott signed a new three and a half year deal
The England U19 player is highly rated around the Club's Academy and has
trained with the first team a number of times
Academy manager Terry Westley also praised the teenager and said it was a
great deal for the Club
Hammers first team goalkeeping coach Chris Woods and academy manager Terry
Westley both expressed their delight after young stopper Nathan Trott signed
his first professional contract at the Club. The Bermudan-born 18-year-old,
who recently received his first England U19 call-up, is extremely highly
regarded around the Club and put pen to paper on a new three and a half year
deal this week.
Woods, who has worked with Trott on a number of occasions this season while
the talented teenager trains with the first team, believes the keeper can
become a top player at West Ham United in the future. He said: "The lad's
got great potential and it's so difficult to find good, young goalkeepers.
Nathan ticks all the boxes so we're very pleased [he's signed his deal]. "He
has to keep learning, working hard and progressing, but he's the type of lad
who wants to listen and wants to do well and he's a joy to work with.
"For my aims and for Nathan's this season, he needs to continue to play in
the U23s. He's been called up to the England squad so to play for them on a
regular basis would make a really good season for him."
Trott has appeared a combined nine times for both the Premier League 2 squad
and U18s side this season despite suffering an injury that kept him during
October and the majority of November. Westley, who heads up the Academy of
Football, explained why tying the youngster down to a long term deal was so
important for the Hammers. "Along with Domingos Quina [who signed recently],
it's again a great signing for the Club, it's great progress for the
Academy," Westley said. "He's a young boy with a lot more to come. He now
has got to try and make his way in the professional game. "But I'm delighted
to have got his signature, delighted that it's long term and I look forward
to working with him, Chris, JJ [Jerome John] and Billy [Lepine, Academy
goalkeeper coaches] to try and make him improve and make his way in the
professional ranks. "Now his decision making in the pro game will be the
defining factor as to whether he can really kick on and become a top
goalkeeper at this football Club. But he certainly has the ingredients."
One particular attribute of Trott's stands out on the field of play, and the
coaching pair both moved to highlight this talent after he signed the deal.
Woods said: "The way that goalkeeping has moved on over the years; he's got
great feet, he's got the ability to see the pass, to control the ball, his
agility is second to none and like I say, he's got all those things going
for him."
Meanwhile, Westley continued: "His feet, and being able to set the play up
and start you off, are magnificent. They're that good.
"Now he has got to go from this junior goalkeeper into men's football. But
his attributes are great; in being able to set up attacks, his agility, the
speed he covers the ground and makes good stops. "But does he have a wow
factor? He can make passes as good as outfield players."
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Extra Hull tickets available
WHUFC.com
Additional tickets have become available for the Premier League visit of
Hull City on Saturday 17 December. With Hull returning tickets from their
allocation, the Club have been able to open up extra tickets in home areas
and are delighted to be able to make them available to supporters. Claret
Members, including those who missed out on tickets through the ballot, now
have priority to purchase these additional tickets, along with Season Ticket
Holders and Waiting List Members. The visit of the Tigers is the final home
match of an historic year for the Club, so don't miss out as we aim to
finish 2016 with a flourish. The Hammers have won their last six home
meetings with Hull, so have a fine record to defend against Mike Phelan's
men, who won promotion back to the top flight last term. The tickets will be
sold on a first come, first served basis and are set to sell quickly so
hurry to avoid disappointment.
Ticket prices start from £12.50 for Kids and from £25 for Adults. You can
book these tickets online, by clicking here, or by telephone on 0333 030
1966,
Accessibility tickets are available in all areas for this fixture. Disabled
supporters can purchase tickets by calling our Accessibility line on 0333
030 0174, visiting the Ticket Office at the London Stadium which is open
9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays or by emailing
accessiblity@westhamunited.co.uk
Hospitality packages for this fixture are available to buy now. For further
information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or
call 0871 091 1811*.
*Calls cost 13p/min plus your networks access charge.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stimac supports old pal Slaven
WHUFC.com
Igor Stimac says old friend and teammate Slaven Bilic will get West Ham
United winning again
Former Hammers and Croatia defender was a long-time defensive partner of the
manager
Stimac made 52 appearances for the Club between 1999 and 2001
Igor Stimac has backed old friend, compatriot and fellow former Hammers
defender Slaven Bilic to lead the Club out of its current predicament.
The 49-year-old was part of the same star-studded Croatia side as Bilic
which so impressed at EURO 96 and the FIFA World Cup in France in 1998,
earning 53 caps between 1990 and 2002.
A versatile centre-half like the current West Ham United manager, Stimac
emulated his fellow countryman by moving to east London in 1999, appearing
52 times over two seasons, before following Bilic into the Croatian
national-team hot seat in 2012.
Stimac is naturally supportive of his long-time teammate, and has every
confidence that he will set West Ham back on the right track before too
long.
"When Slaven got the job, I said that he will be an instant success at West
Ham United," Stimac told whufc.com. "He knows what this job is about and how
to turn things round.
"One thing I am pretty sure of is that Slaven will not lose his passion,
commitment and confidence.
"The one thing which I am confused about is how some people in England
question his ability after every game, forgetting how great a job he did
last season."
One thing I am pretty sure of is that Slaven will not lose his passion,
commitment and confidence
While respectful of West Ham's ambitions of breaking into the Premier
League's top six on a regular basis following the summer move to London
Stadium, Stimac is experienced enough to know that such progression cannot
happen overnight.
The former centre-half, who scored his solitary goal in Claret and Blue at
Newcastle United in January 2000, called for fans to be patient and give his
old friend an opportunity to work through the issues he is currently dealing
with.
"Our club is still not in the range of Man United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Man
City and our manager needs more support when things are not going as
expected," Stimac observed.
"We all know that Slaven is the right guy for West Ham and I point my finger
at the players here to wake up and bring back to their game the same passion
they showed last season.
"Not long ago they played with much more intensity, looking after each other
and fighting as a team – defenders need to defend, midfielders to fight and
pass the ball quickly to support the front players and make it easy for the
them.
"They all stood up for Slaven last season, praising his work, and if they
don't want to lose him then I expect team captain Mark Noble to shake up the
dressing room and the team to start producing good football again."
*The opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and not
necessarily those of West Ham United
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Burnley tickets available on the Ticket Exchange
WHUFC.com
You can be there for our sell-out Premier League game against Burnley on
Wednesday as tickets become available on the Ticket Exchange.
With the game now sold out, Season Ticket Holders can relist their seats if
they cannot make it, giving other supporters the chance to watch the Hammers
in action against Burnley.
Click here to purchase your tickets on the Ticket Exchange now
The Hammers will be looking to move up the Premier League table with victory
against Sean Dyche's side, who won promotion back to the top flight last
summer.
Once a Season Ticket Holder's ticket has been exchanged, his or her Season
Card will be disabled for the game, while the buyer's Claret Membership Card
will be activated. If you are not a Claret Member, you will be able to print
your ticket at home.
The credit for the ticket sale will be made available in the seller's Season
Ticket Holder account, minus a 10% administrative charge.
Season Ticket Holder seats which become available on the Ticket Exchange
will be available to purchase online here.
If you are a Season Ticket Holder unable to attend this game, please relist
your ticket to allow another fan to experience the Hammers at London Stadium
and you will benefit with ticket credit in your account which you can use
towards a future game.
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Kids for a Quid at City cup tie
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that tickets for the Emirates FA
Cup third round tie against Manchester City on Friday 6 January will be
priced at just £1 for Under-16s, and start at just £10 for adult Season
Ticket Holders.
In line with the Club's long-standing commitment to affordable family
football – the ongoing ethos at the heart of our move to London Stadium –
the prestigious fixture against a top Premier League rival gives us another
opportunity to reward our supporters for their loyal and magnificent backing
this season.
The reduced adult rate for Season Ticket Holders includes a £5 discount
against the ticket price, while every one of our young supporters can take
advantage of the fantastic kids for a quid offer.
This means that a family of three Season Ticket Holders - one adult and two
children - can watch the match for a total cost of just £12. For non-Season
Ticket Holders, the equivalent total will be just £17.
At this expensive time of year for families, we are proud to continue to
offer our supporters the opportunity to enjoy affordable football at London
Stadium, for what is sure to be a thrilling encounter in the world's most
famous cup competition.
The 7.55pm kick-off on the first Friday of 2017 will see the Hammers begin
their FA Cup campaign against Pep Guardiola's City, as Slaven Bilic's men
aim for a magical night under the lights at London Stadium.
The Hammers famously saw off Manchester City in the FA Cup during their run
to the final in 2006, when two Dean Ashton goals secured victory in the
quarter-final at Etihad Stadium.
With three FA Cup titles to West Ham's name, and Man City boasting five, the
two have a rich history in world football's oldest knockout competition –
and you can be there to witness more history being written.
Tickets will go on sale to Bondholders at 9am on Friday and Season Ticket
Holders from midday.
Full pricing details are as follows:
Season Ticket Holders
Band Adults/O65s/U21s U16s
1966 £25 £25
One £20 £1
Two £20 £1
Three £15 £1
Four £15 £1
Five £10 £1
General Sale
Band Adults/O65s/U21s U16s
1966 £30 £30
One £25 £1
Two £25 £1
Three £20 £1
Four £20 £1
Five £15 £1
Sales Dates
Bondholders 9am, Friday 9 December
Season Ticket Holders*
(all unsold seats will be released at 9am, 13 December) 12pm, Friday 9
December - online only
10am, Monday 12 December - online, phone, in person
Claret Members 9am, Thursday 15 December
Season Ticket Waiting List 9am, Sunday 18 December
West Ham Supporters with a booking history 9am, Monday 19 December
*Some Season Ticket Holders will be displaced due to the away ticket
allocation. A priority window will run from 9am on Tuesday 13 December to
9am Thursday 15 December for these Season Ticket Holders to select their
seats.
Sales dates and timings are subject to change
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup: BBC to show Manchester City and Tottenham games
BBC.co.uk
The FA Cup third round games between West Ham and Manchester City, and
Tottenham and Aston Villa, will be shown live on BBC One. The Hammers will
host Pep Guardiola's side on Friday, 6 January (19:55 GMT). Spurs,
meanwhile, entertain Championship side Aston Villa two days later, with
kick-off at 16:00.
A Saturday night highlights programme will include Sutton United's game
against AFC Wimbledon and Barrow versus Rochdale. BT Sport will broadcast
Reading's trip to Manchester United and Preston against Arsenal (both
Saturday, 7 January), Liverpool's game against Newport or Plymouth (Sunday,
7 January) and Cambridge United's home tie against Leeds (Monday, 9
January). Football Focus will once again be on the road and there will be
comprehensive coverage of the weekend's action across the BBC Sport website
and on BBC Radio 5 live.
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Only one in three to definitely renew
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
A KUMB poll has found that only one in three supporters currently intend to
renew their season tickets at the Olympic Stadium next season.
The poll, conducted during the past few days resulted in just 34 per cent of
fans saying they will definitely renew their season tickets next year as a
result of the numerous issues which which have marred West Ham's move from
Upton Park to Stratford.
And whilst a further 29 per cent of voters claimed they are yet to make up
their minds, the remaining 35 per cent said they will definitely NOT be
returning - one of whom, a season ticket holder for 17 years, explains why
here.
* A total of 542 KUMB members have voted in our poll - the results of which
you may see here - thus far. Entry was available to registered members of
KUMB.com only. You may read the views of those who voted in the poll here.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Myopic Merson in hot water over Payet comments
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 8th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
The French press have leapt to the defence of West Ham United's Dimitri
Payer after Sky pundit Paul Merson accused the midfielder of performing
poorly.
Speaking last week, the former Arsenal star claimed that Payet has displayed
a poor attitude in recent fixtures whilst suggesting he had one eye on a
January move.
"Dimitri Payet doesn't look interested - at all," spewed Merson following
West Ham's recent 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. "I would advise him to
knuckle down and help get West Ham out of this relegation battle.
"He looks like someone that wants to be moving on his way. If it wasn't for
West Ham nobody would have ever heard of Payet - he wouldn't even be playing
for France."
Naturally Merson's comments caused a degree of consternation amongst our
friends across the channel, where French football website GFFN subsequently
accused Merson of short-sightedness in an 800-word defence of the Euro 16
star.
"Payet has not been the shining light he was last season in a West Ham side
struggling dramatically in the Premier League," wrote GFFN.
"It is right to call an important player out for not doing more to pull his
side away from danger. However, those are not the quotes that we take issue
with today.
"It's not right to call out Merson for not watching French football, he has
a job that involves watching the Premier League on a regular basis and
that's where he will be pulling most of his knowledge from.
"However, in this modern age, many would have known about Payet before he
joined West Ham. Had it not been for an exceptional season from Alexandre
Lacazette he would have been Ligue 1's Player of the Year.
"With recognisable names brought from FIFA, Football Manager, to the
popularity of the European Football Show on BT Sport Merson's view is
clearly old-fashioned and narrow sighted.
Luckily, it's something that a slowly growing, more knowledgeable audience
would not have agreed with. The days of a player needing to prove himself on
a cold December night in Stoke are over.
"Then again, why we listen to the opinion of a person who can't even be
bothered to learn how to pronounce player's names, I will never know..."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's London Stadium relocation and stats analysed
By Adam Smith
Last Updated: 08/12/16 7:01am
SSN
What's wrong with West Ham? How are a team that finished seventh in the
league last season now one point above the relegation zone?
Slaven Bilic's men have made a miserable start to life in their new London
Stadium home after 112 years at Upton Park. Is the relocation behind West
Ham's troubles? What are the Hammers doing differently this season? We take
a look at the stats…
ATTACKING DEFICIENCY
West Ham have only scored 15 league goals this season while they have
conceded 29. Andy Carroll has missed much of the season after being injured
during a Europa League tie against Astra Giurgiu on August 18. He returned
as a sub against Arsenal on Saturday and scored within 10 minutes. Carroll
and Dimitri Payet were West Ham's top scorers last term with nine each, but
the latter has also appeared largely absent this term - and not through
injury. Despite a spectacular solo goal against Middlesbrough in October,
talisman Payet has struggled to find last season's form - taking nearly half
as many shots on target per game on average.
Dimitri Payet stats per 90 mins
Goals Shots on target
2015/16 0.32 0.98
2016/17 0.09 0.54
In addition, Mark Noble has also created fewer chances, taken fewer shots
and has not scored or assisted one goal this season.
Mark Noble stats per 90 mins
Chances created Assists Goals Shot on target
2015/16 1.4 0.11 0.32 0.34
2016/17 0.85 0 0 0.08
Striker Diafra Sakho has also missed the majority of this season with back
and hamstring injuries, while Simone Zaza has failed to fire since his
arrival on loan from Juventus. However, Michail Antonio has bucked the
team's under-performing trend and netted six goals, all headers, and earned
an England call-up during Sam Allardyce's brief spell at the helm.
DISTRIBUTION & WORK ETHIC
West Ham's approach play and work ethic doesn't appear to have changed
drastically since their move to the London Stadium. Across the pitch, their
number of tackles, duels won, aerials won, passes, crosses, dribbles,
average possession and distance covered are all almost identical to last
season.
DEFENSIVE DEFICIENCY
The Hammers have missed left-back Aaron Cresswell, who has only managed five
league starts this season between knee and groin injuries, and a one-match
suspension. Last season, West Ham conceded 14 goals from errors, surpassed
only by Aston Villa (15). This time round, the London club have also shipped
a league-high six goals from errors, costing them 10 points. Had those
errors not been made, they'd be sixth in the league above Manchester United.
LONDON STADIUM BLUES
Four of West Ham's six errors leading to goals have occurred at the London
Stadium. But despite that, the Hammers have actually picked up more points
at home than away.
West Ham home and away record 2016/17
Points per game Goals scored per game Goals conceded per game
Home 2016/17 1.1 1.0 2.0
Away 2016/17 0.6 1.1 2.1
However, as the chart below shows, their home results are still well off
last season form at Upton Park. So, West Ham need Carroll to stay fit, Payet
to start trying his luck at goal, and address defensive errors if they are
to rekindle the form that saw them narrowly miss out on Champions League
football last season.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham reportedly set to sign Turkish youngster
By London Football News 08/12/2016
West Ham are reportedly set to sign Turkish midfielder Murat Saglam from
German club Wolfsburg. The Times believe a five-year deal has been agreed
with the 18-year-old, who has not yet made his Wolfsburg debut. Tottenham
have also been linked with the player, prompting The Sun to declare that the
Hammers have beaten Spurs to the signing of Saglam, who can also operate on
the right of midfield or at right-back. He has come to the attention of a
number of European clubs in the last few months, largely because of some
impressive performances for Turkey's Under-19 side. The signing is being
reported as a sign the West Ham hierarchy are backing Slaven Bilic, who was
apparently keen for the deal to be done. There has been speculation about
Bilic's future as manager, particularly since last weekend's 5-1 defeat at
home to Arsenal. Co-owner David Sullivan indicated earlier this week that
Bilic still had the full support of the board, while many Irons fans have
backed the Croatian. Meanwhile, young Hammers goalkeeper Nathan Trott has
signed his first professional contract at the London Stadium. The
Bermuda-born teenager has impressed since being signed last year and has
been given a deal until 2020 after recently turning 17.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio and Cheikhou Kouyate hand West Ham boost
ahead of Liverpool trip
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
West Ham, who had nine senior players out through injury last weekend, are
hoping to have at least three back for selection when they go to Liverpool
on Sunday. Manager Slaven Bilic, who is under increasing pressure after his
struggling side conceded nine goals in their last two matches, against
Manchester United and Arsenal, is optimistic that the club's injury crisis
is easing slightly.
Wing-backs Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio missed the 5-1 home defeat by
Arsenal but could both be back for the Anfield trip. Cheikhou Kouyate also
sat out the Arsenal match with a slight hamstring strain but reports from
the club's training ground indicate that the defender has responded well to
treatment and also has a chance of being fit.
Full-back Sam Byram, who suffered a hamstring tear at the beginning of
October, is also back in training and should be ready to return to action in
time for the Christmas schedule. Spanish club Valencia, meanwhile, are
poised to offer striker Simone Zaza a lifeline deal in January. The Italian
has yet to score in nine Premier League appearances since signing on loan
from Juventus, but is rated highly by Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham winger looks set to leave the club, already looking at houses in
new destination
By Sport Witness - 7th December 2016
After being eliminated dramatically in the Champions League, the Besiktas
board are hoping to bring in players that'll help the club in the Europa
League. West Ham winger Gokhan Tore is one of the players the Turkish side
are looking at according to Fanatik.
Besiktas president Fikret Orman and some of the Besiktas scouts have
interest in Ligue 1 attackers Paul George Ntep and Benjamin Moukandjo, but
it's been claimed their No.1 target is Tore after the Turkish winger made a
disastrous start to his Premier League career.
Former Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic is the reason the Hammers signed Tore,
but the 24 year old hasn't made the impact that the Premier League side were
hoping for.
Under Bilic, Tore made remarkable progress at Besiktas and became one of the
key figures with the Turkish giants. However, since signing in the summer
for West Ham he's struggled, providing 1 assist in 8 games.
Tore is believed to be looking at house in Turkey already after the West Ham
board told Besiktas they are prepared to let him return to his former club
in January. The winger is said to be very happy about the possibility of
returning to Besiktas following his experience in England.
Currently on loan at West Ham for the season, the Premier League club have
an option to make the move permanent.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United agree deal for Murat Saglam, on whom Tottenham Hotspur were
very keen
HITC
Aiden Cusick
West Ham United look to have beaten rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the
teenager's signing. West Ham United have agreed a deal to sign Wolfsburg's
Murat Saglam from next summer, the Times reports. The Turkish midfielder is
out of contract at the end of this season, and is also said to have
interested Tottenham Hotspur. However, West Ham have reportedly moved quick
to secure the services of Saglam, in what is seen as a show of support from
the Hammers' board to under-fire manager Slaven Bilic. It is claimed the
Croatian urged his employers to sign the 18-year-old after hearing of
Tottenham's interest. "Murat is quite a talented player, a modern offensive
midfielder," Saglam's agent told Aksam last week, as reported by HITC Sport
at the time. "Tottenham especially are showing very keen interest."
Saglam is yet to feature for Wolfsburg's first team, but is said to have
impressed scouts with his performances for Turkey's under-19s.
West Ham reportedly held talks with Bilic at the start of the week, after
Saturday's 5-1 defeat to Arsenal left them a point and a place outside of
the Premier League's bottom three. Though his position is not thought to be
in any immediate danger, the failure to take advantage of favourable
fixtures against Burnley, Hull and Swansea this month, could seal the former
Hammers defender's fate.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham may renew interest in Carlos Bacca in January despite summer snub
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United are reportedly still monitoring AC Milan striker Carlos
Bacca. According to the Daily Star, West Ham United could renew their
interest in AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca during the January transfer
window. The Hammers spent most of the summer searching for a top striker to
lead their attack at the London Stadium, but failed to land a number of top
targets – and their eventual signings have struggled. Jonathan Calleri and
Simone Zaza arrived on loan from Deportivo Maldonado and Juventus
respectively with hopes of spearheading the West Ham attack, but neither of
them have scored in any competition so far this season.
With West Ham struggling for goals, the club's summer transfer business has
been heavily criticised – and it seems that the Hammers could end up
targeting a player who snubbed them over the summer. The Daily Star report
that, as West Ham search for a striker, they could make another move to sign
AC Milan striker Carlos Bacca, which may cause Hammers fans to roll their
eyes after such a protracted transfer saga over the summer.
As reported by the Daily Mail, West Ham made two attempts to land Bacca over
the summer, but he opted to snub a move to England, instead choosing to stay
in Italy with AC Milan. Now, with suggestions that Milan may look to cash in
on the 30-year-old striker during the January transfer window (Calcio
Mercato), it's claimed that West Ham could make another move to land Bacca
in January.
The Colombian international – who has scored 13 goals in 38 games for his
country – has been one of Europe's top goalscorers in recent years, as he's
totalled 26 goals in 56 games for Milan, having joined the club in the
summer of 2015 off the back of 49 goals in 108 appearances for Sevilla.
Bacca is certainly the proven goalscorer that West Ham have been hoping to
land since the end of last season, but they may in fact be in a worse
position to sign him than they were over the summer. At the time West Ham
tried to sign Bacca, they had finished seventh in the Premier League and had
a real buzz about them having moved into the London Stadium. Now, they lie
just one point off the relegation zone and the stadium move is becoming a
nightmare after just two league wins at their new home. If Bacca wasn't
willing to make the move to East London when West Ham were on a high over
the summer, it would be a major surprise to see him sign for the club when
they're hovering above the relegation zone.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp: Slaven Bilic needs Mark Noble to sort things out in West
Ham's dressing room
HARRY REDKNAPP
Evening Standard
Slaven Bilic requires the services of his captain now more than ever. West
Ham are in a right mess and the input of Mark Noble over the next few weeks
will be as important as anything that comes from Slaven. That's because it's
what's going on in the dressing room that will decide the team's fate.
You're not in there as a manager, because you get changed in a separate room
to the players every day. Of course you hear things and can read body
language, but players always talk most honestly among themselves. Most of
the new signings aren't getting into the team, so they will all have the
hump. They'll sit around wondering what they're doing there. If you have a
load of negative people moaning about the club and the manager, then West
Ham are doomed. That's where Noble has got to get even closer to Slaven. If
there are things like that happening, then he needs to inform his manager.
He's not being a snitch – he's got to tell Slaven because he needs to rely
on his senior players.
James Collins is another one who can help the manager – he's a good lad and
you know what you're getting with him. Collins and Noble have to sort out
any changing room problems themselves and if they can't do that, then they
have to go to Slaven and say "Listen, you've got one or two in there who
aren't with us. They aren't pulling in the same direction as we are." And
they mustn't be afraid to name them. Slaven needs to know who isn't really
with him and you'd think that because Noble wants to win so much for West
Ham – it's the club he lives and breathes – he could help get anyone out of
the club who isn't fighting for their lives alongside him.
As a manager the hardest thing in the world is to hide the pressure you're
under from the players. You only had to look at Slaven on the touchline in
the final few minutes against Arsenal last weekend – that wasn't the same
boy we saw last year. He's got to lift himself because otherwise he won't
lift the players. Slaven is a good man but he has to find a way of changing
the mood around the club and he just can't do it alone. You don't want
negative people. Even the dinner lady, the stewards – you can't have them
walking around with long faces as it only then spreads further negativity.
There's been talk of a fitness coach coming in to shake things up, but I
don't see how that would change much. West Ham have picked up a lot of
injuries in games and that's got nothing to do with the way they train. They
didn't get this level of injuries last season with the same staff. They
trained with the right intensity then, so that isn't the problem. It's
difficult, too, because if you bring somebody in to work with Slaven and
results pick up, then that guy will get the credit. And if it all goes
wrong, then it doesn't help Slaven anyway.
Recruitment has been a major problem. West Ham were in a position where if
they'd found a little bit of quality to bring into the club, they could have
kicked on and would have been strong contenders for a top six place. Alvaro
Arbeloa looks as if he's had his day. Havard Nordtveit wasn't up to it at
Arsenal and gave away a penalty to cost West Ham a draw at Tottenham last
month. Many of the players who've come in are not able to reach the same
level as those who are missing. Andre Ayew was expensive at £20.5million and
he's been injured. The jury is still out on whether he's worth anything like
that kind of money. I'd prefer to get Andy Carroll back in the team to find
an effective way of playing. The only way – and it's usually effective with
Carroll – is to get balls into the box and have others feed off him. With
Carroll you can't play clever football, threading passes between the lines,
because that isn't what he does.
Full-backs and wingers have to hit the diagonal high ball to the far post
every time they get the opportunity so he can win it to give Dimitri Payet,
Manuel Lanzini and their other skilful players a shooting chance in and
around the box. It isn't rocket science: I did exactly the same thing with
Peter Crouch feeding Rafael van der Vaart at Tottenham. Carroll can batter a
Liverpool defence that conceded four at Bournemouth and a goalkeeper, Loris
Karius, who is bound to be nervous. Games against Burnley, Hull and Swansea
are massive after that. West Ham have to come together as a team right now.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham beat Spurs to sign Murat Saglam [Times]
101greatgoals.com
By Ben Green
Thursday, December 8th, 2016 09:30
After West Ham's horrible start to the Premier League season and their exit
from Europe, rumours have been swirling about the future of manager Slaven
Bilic. On Thursday, The Times report that the West Ham board are backing
Bilic with a signing for next summer: Wolfsburg attacking midfielder Murat
Saglam. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has not played for the
Wolfsburg first team yet and is now unlikely to after agreeing a deal with
West Ham. Bilic, who previously managed in Turkey, was keen to bring in
Saglam. Saglam joins on a five-year deal and has signed for free. West Ham
fans will be pleased to note in The Times, that the Hammers have beaten
their London rivals Tottenham to the signing of Murat Saglam. Video footage
of Murat Saglam is below. West Ham's next game is at Liverpool on Sunday,
with the Hammers just one point off the drop zone from the Premier League.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE TURNING POINT
By Tony Hanna 8 Dec 2016 at 08:00
WTID
On the 11th November 2013 I published an article on this site titled "Is
relegation looming or are the bookies right?" We were eleven games into the
season and were sitting in 17th spot. The mood on the WHTID site was not
dissimilar to now, regarding our performances on the pitch. Many believed we
were doomed. Except the bookies! As I stated then, we were 6/1 for the drop
and the bookmakers had seven teams at shorter prices than us. I also wrote
that the bookies get things right much more often than they get it wrong.
They have an unbiased view, one that is not swayed by emotion. The fact that
seven teams finished below us that season is testament to their judgement.
So, fast forward three years and one month and we are in that same position
again, 17th, and the bookies have us at 6/1 for the drop! Sound familiar?
That's a big price again for a team in this predicament. They got it right
last time, so will they get it right this time too? Back in 2013 Andy
Carroll was out injured and Sam's plan of Stewart Downing and Matt Jarvis
bombing down the wings and pelting in crosses for him was going pear shaped.
However, we had the prodigal talent of Ravel Morrison to fall back on?
This time we have had Andy Carroll out injured again and we have the
superstar Dimitri Payet to haul us out of trouble? I think we need to learn
that we need to stop relying on the fitness of Andy Carroll and any other
one single players brilliance to pull us out of this mess. Back in the
2013/14 season we slid even further down the table in the following two
months after my article and seriously, that could be the case this season
too. In January 2014 I wrote another article about Big Sams "big four".
These were the four fundamental stats that were the catalyst of his game
plan. I won't delve back into the first three but the fourth one sticks out
like a sore thumb.
They also knew that if they outworked their opposition by covering more
distance at speeds above 5.5m/s they would increase their chances of winning
by 80%.
Anyone watching our games at the moment can see that this is one of our
great failings at the moment. The urgency to press, hassle and hound is not
there, well not for ninety minutes anyway. How often have we played well for
one half, only to be diabolical in the other? Fitness, courage, speed and
determination has been lacking and I think Slav has known all along – this
side is resting on its laurels from last season. A look back at the 2011/12
season and Newcastle surprised everyone by finishing 5th in the league
playing some lovely attractive football. Amongst the most common
explanations for the success was the club's courage in giving young, hungry
players the opportunity to play, its ability to find diamonds in the rough
like Cisse, and manager Alan Pardew's attractive style of football. When
Newcastle dropped to 16th the following season the story reversed
completely. Now Newcastle had too many young players, the transfer policy
had failed and the team lacked enough experienced English players who knew
what the league was about. Suddenly the attractive style of play was naive
and lacked defensive awareness. The same characteristics that were
supposedly the reason for their success were now the reason for their
failure.
Leicester are just another example from many, of teams struggling after one
season of unexpected success. However, instead of young, hungry players,
they had older players, often discarded by clubs, with a point to prove.
They had diamonds in the rough such as Jamie Vardy and Mahrez, and instead
of Pardew's attractive football they had Ranieri's disciplined defending and
swift, exciting counter-attacking through an uncomplicated 4-4-2 formation.
Now, like Newcastle back then, Leicester are criticised. Too many older
players who have lost their hunger, a failed transfer policy and a style of
play that is naive. Since last season Leicester have handed out huge pay
increases to hold onto their star players and spent 70m pounds in transfer
fees that so far has produced little. The players can lift when they want to
though – they have won more Champions League games than Premier League games
this season! These two examples merely show that hunger for success is much
more important than increasing a pay packet.
I still think that with a fit Carroll and Sakho this season will, or would
have been so different though. You only have to look at how much better we
were when Sakho played his first hour of football this season against Spurs
a few weeks ago? But, because of their injury records, relying on these two
has become an absolute joke. A joke that management must find a solution to.
Back in that 2013/14 season it was January 29th when we ground out an
amazing 0-0 draw at Chelsea. A match where we were totally outclassed but
guts, determination and a lot of luck got us a point no one expected. We
went on to win the next four games in February that managed to culminate in
a finishing position of 13th that season. Sometimes it is that unexpected
result or a match where the luck, and there is certainly plenty of that in
football, turns decidedly your way and players start to believe again.
I am sure that there will be a turning point in our season. It could well
have been the Spurs game until those last few minutes created the opposite
effect, deflating the players, club and supporters even more. Perhaps it
will be this weekend, at Liverpool, where no one expects us to win, except
Toddy of course? Or will we have to wait until February again, because if
the turnaround doesn't come soon the bookies will be proved wrong for a
change!
Like Newcastle and Leicester, we have become the victims of our own success
from last season. Players playing without the same intensity of last season,
bad luck with injuries and poor transfer dealings have all played a part in
why we are where we are. All these factors combine to provide a team that
eventually loses its confidence and mojo. Whenever we went one down last
season we all felt we could still win, and we often did. The current team
goes one down and we wonder – how many this week? Once that lost confidence
has completely filtrated any sporting team of any code there is no magic
wand to rediscover it. The catalyst that provides the turning point, if
there is to be one, often comes when least expected.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham flop Simone Zaza set to be offered escape from Premier League
nightmare by Valencia
The Italy international has been awful in east London since signing on loan
from Serie A champions Juventus in the summer
BY ED MALYON
22:58, 7 DEC 2016UPDATED22:58, 7 DEC 2016
The Mirror
Simone Zaza is ready to end his West Ham nightmare and sign for Valencia.
The Italy international has been a flop in east London since signing on loan
from Serie A champions Juventus in the summer. Zaza's loan was originally
intended to become a permanent deal with the Hammers but his paltry goal
return and hapless performances have West Ham looking for the emergency
exit. Under-fire Valencia boss Cesare Prandelli has been promised funds to
reinforce the squad after selling Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes to Barcelona
this summer for around £75million. Prandelli, who scouted Zaza during his
time as Italy boss, is keen on reviving the striker's flagging career and
has made contact with the 25-year-old. Zaza's entourage responded with
positive noises and the centre-forward, who is goalless in eleven games this
season, is keen to try his luck in La Liga.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham want to sign PSG star Jese in January
HITC
Tom Nightingale
The Hammers are allegedly chasing a loan move for the forward. West Ham
United are looking to bolster their attacking options by bringing in Paris
Saint-Germain star Jese Rodriguez on loan in January, according to the Daily
Star. Jese made a name for himself as one of European football's top young
prospects during his time at Real Madrid, scoring 18 goals in 96 appearances
for the first team of the Spanish giants. Consistently used as a back-up
player for the La Liga side, he left the Bernabeu to sign for PSG back in
August, commanding a fee of over £21 million. However, he has found life in
Paris tough in his first half-season, playing just 13 games and starting
only once since his switch. That has led to reports that he could be
available in the winter market, and the Daily Star reports that West Ham are
keen on bringing him to the London Stadium for the second half of the
season. Goals and creativity have been scarce in East London, particularly
compared to their free-scoring campaign last term. The Hammers have scored
just 15 goals in the Premier League so far - the fifth lowest total in the
league - and their six first-team strikers have netted just three times
between them. Jese can bring goals and assists, and he would add a touch of
class to the frontline whether playing as an out-and-out striker or as a
secondary forward. However, the Star's report claims that AS Roma are also
interested in bringing in the former Spain Under-21 international, and West
Ham's lowly league position could make it difficult to tempt the
23-year-old.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Slaven Bilic confident he can turn things around at West Ham after poor
start to life at London Stadium: 'The owners know it's going to take time'
By Ben Nagle for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 23:52, 7 December 2016 | UPDATED: 23:52, 7 December 2016
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes he has the backing of the club's
owners after a disastrous start to life at the London Stadium.
The Hammers are languishing in 17th place in the Premier League without a
win in their last five, but Bilic believes he will be given time after a
tough move away from Upton Park this summer. 'The owners do [understand],'
Bilic told Gary Lineker on The Premier League Show. 'I say what I mean,
there are obstacles. When you go to somewhere new, the owners knew the
possibility that it's going to take time. 'You can't just do it, click it.
You have no choice… if you want to move forward with the club, you have to
do something like this. Our choice, or the owner's choice, was to go
forward. 'It was a brave choice, positive, it was a good choice. You have
to do something like this.'
West Ham have won just three games in the league so far this season, but
with four of their five December games against fellow bottom-half
strugglers, Bilic is confident he can guide his team to a top 10 finish come
May. 'We are now in a position that we are not happy with, of course,' he
continued. 'We are in a position where we have to bite our nails. 'I'm
confident that we're going to be minimum top 10. We are not happy with the
position we are at the moment and we have to change it. That's my
responsibility, and I have to find a way.'
Bilic likened the Hammers' move to the former Olympic Stadium to buying a
new house and it taking time to adjust to the new surroundings. 'You walk
in and a month later you say "it doesn't feel like home", but you love it.
It takes time. So many things are brilliant about it. 'Many clubs have the
same problems when they move grounds. We need wins, we need more sessions,
and then it's going to come. Time, you need time.'
And time is something Bilic is not worried about when it comes to the safety
of his job. Odds have been slashed on the Croatian to be the next man to be
sacked, but he says the thought of becoming unemployed does not keep him up
at night. 'When I think about my job, I don't want to think about the things
that you can't influence,' Bilic said. 'I want to think about my team, I
want to think about my staff, I want to think about opponents. 'I'm not
saying I'm not thinking about it, of course I am, but not in a negative way.
What's going to happen is going to happen. I'm optimistic and I like to be
positive. 'The pressure comes with the territory. I'm the one who's putting
big pressure on me. I like the adrenaline and the pressure, it brings the
best out of you. 'I love it [my job]. It has its ups and downs, but when
you are winning, there's no job like this. I expect [things will improve].'
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham pursuit eases in Liverpool star due to this
WEST HAM are reportedly cooling their interest in Liverpool striker Daniel
Sturridge as they fear luring him to east London could prove too tricky.
By JACK STAPLEHURST
PUBLISHED: 04:40, Thu, Dec 8, 2016
Express.co.uk
The Reds hitman has been linked with a move away from Anfield as he's
growing frustrated at a lack of match action. Jurgen Klopp has preferred
Roberto Firmino up front, while fellow forward Divock Origi is not
necessarily below him in the pecking order. A number of Premier League clubs
are interested in landing Sturridge, and Express Sport understands he is
also Crystal Palace's top target. But according to the Daily Star, there is
a realisation growing at West Ham that tempting Daniel Sturridge to join may
be beyond their capabilities. As a result, Slaven Bilic's side are widening
their search for a goalscorer to help recover the Hammers' woeful campaign.
The report adds that Paris Saint-Germain's Jese Rodriguez has been added to
their list of targets, with a loan move being weighed up.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, December 9
Thursday, December 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th December 2016
The Big Interview - Alvaro Arbeloa
WHUFC.com
Alvaro Arbeloa has enjoyed many high points during his career winning the
World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with Real Madrid. The
33-year-old is now facing a challenge of a different kind as he looks to
help West Ham move away from the bottom three and get their season back on
track as they prepare to face his former club Liverpool on Sunday. Arbeloa
has a wealth of experience at the top level and hopes he can use some of
that to help his team-mates get back on the winning trail and make amends
for the disappointing home defeat against Arsenal last weekend.....
Alvaro, the team is experiencing a difficult spell at the moment. Is this a
time when we need our experienced players and people who have won trophies
at the highest level to lift the other players in the dressing room?
AA: "Of course this is a very tough time for everyone at the Club and we are
facing pressure because we need points. "The main thing we can do as players
is to work even harder during the week and when we are on the pitch, we need
to stay together and fight until the end. "We need to be ready for
everything and focused on the game. We need to do everything perfect and do
our best. That is the only thing we can do now."
How much of a different challenge is this for you now, because you have won
major honours for both club and country and are now having to help the team
move away from the bottom of the table?
AA: "This is a different challenge but I am used to this kind of pressure
because when I played for Real Madrid, if we lost one game it was really bad
so I know what to expect. "Every week and every day at Madrid we were under
pressure so I am used to it but this is a different kind of situation. "We
have to train with a high intensity and we have to show our best form."
You have been fortunate enough to play in a number of successful teams. Can
you see the quality in the squad that will help turn the Club's fortunes
around?
AA: "Of course I can see that. When I see my team-mates I know that they
have quality. "I think the players are hurting a great a deal after what
happened on Saturday. We have a great manager and great players. "We have
been hit by a number of injuries, but there is nothing we can do about that.
We are training as hard as we can and we need to stay together as a team and
get more points."
The Hammers had a memorable victory against Liverpool last season winning
3-0 on Merseyside. Can the team get a similar kind of result on Sunday?
AA: "It will not be easy but of course we can get a victory. They lost 4-3
against Bournemouth last weekend so it is possible. "West Ham won at Anfield
last season so there is no reason why we cannot do that again."
Have you been back to Anfield since leaving Liverpool and what do you
remember about the occasion?
AA: "I went back with Real Madrid two-years ago and we had an amazing game
winning 3-0. We had a great performance that night because Liverpool were
playing well at the time. "It was my first time back for a number of years
and it felt a bit strange going into a different dressing room. "But it was
great for me to sample the atmosphere again. The supporters were always
great towards me and it was nice for me to come away with a victory."
Can you see any comparisons between Liverpool and West Ham and the amazing
support that the fans show towards the team?
AA: "Liverpool are a massive Club and there is a good feeling between the
fans and the team. "I can see a lot of comparisons with West Ham because
when I first came to London I knew they also had really good fans and there
is a great connection between the players and the fans. "I could see that
when I used to play for Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground and I could feel that
from the West Ham fans. It is important to have that kind of support and
they are among the best supporters in England."
What would be your standout memories from your time at Liverpool?
AA: "I have really good memories but it was obviously disappointing to lose
the Champions League Final against AC Milan in Athens.
"For me every game that I played at Anfield was amazing and I remember
beating Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield which was a great night and it was an
amazing final season that I had there when we were fighting for the title
with Manchester United. "I played with some great players like Steven
Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres and they are legends at the
Club. "I once again see similarities with West Ham as they both have great
anthems when you walk onto the pitch and you can feel something special when
you go onto the pitch."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton - Everyone needs to stick together
WHUFC.com
Memories came flooding back for former striker Dean Ashton when the Emirates
FA Cup third round draw was made on Monday night. The Hammers were drawn at
home against Manchester City and who could forget Deano's memorable brace
against City back in March 2006 which helped the Hammers come away with a
2-1 victory and set the Club on the way to their first FA Cup Final since
1980. Ashton enjoyed a number of memorable moments in a claret and blue
shirt but his performance at the Etihad Stadium ranks alongside one of his
best and he would now love to see the Hammers cause another big upset. The
former Hammers striker is well aware that the Premier League is the number
one priority, but feels a good cup run could only bring more confidence into
the squad at a time when everyone needs to come together.....
I had a great time at West Ham United but the Manchester City game in the FA
Cup is one of those games I get reminded about and the fans always talk to
me about the first goal I scored. It was a special night for everyone at the
Club and we felt at that stage that it was going to be our year. We came
into the game with a lot of confidence as we had been on a good run of form,
including a big away win over Arsenal. I had managed to get a few goals and
was showing what I could bring to the Club. I still love watching the
Manchester City game back and the first goal that I scored. I managed to
produce a flashy bit of skill after receiving a pass from Nigel Reo-Coker
and took the ball around Sylvain Distin who is no slouch and I managed to
smash the ball past David James into the corner of the net. It was with my
weaker left foot but I was so happy to see the ball go in and I still enjoy
watching the celebrations that followed. The victory brought even more
confidence into the squad and after beating Middlesbrough in the semi-final
at Villa Park, we came so close to beating Liverpool in the Final.
I know this is a tough draw for West Ham but the FA Cup is slightly
different and we don't know what kind of a team Pep Guardiola will put out
on the day. If we can manage to get a win, it will bring so much confidence
into the squad and it can help with the league form as it will give the
players a big lift. We found that after winning at the Etihad Stadium on
that Monday night and we were flying that season. This is a tough time for
West Ham at the moment but everyone needs to stick together. The Club is not
being helped by injuries to key players and the weekend defeat against
Arsenal was very disappointing. But we need to show more fight and be harder
to beat and that will allow players such as Payet and Lanzini to show a bit
of magic and nick a goal at the other end.
This is a tough run of fixtures but the team will have good memories of
their performance against Liverpool at Anfield last season and they need to
take that into the game. I believe this is a good time to play Liverpool
following their 4-3 defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday and I see it being
a close game.
When I look at the squad I believe there is enough quality to turn the
situation around but we need the strikers to start scoring again. We
obviously need players like Andy Carroll to come back and it will make such
a difference.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stopper Trott signs first pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that promising goalkeeper Nathan
Trott has signed his first professional contract to keep him at the Club
until 2020. The stopper is one of the country's most highly-rated keepers
and recently earned his first England call-up, joining up with the U19 squad
in October. Starring for the Hammers' Premier League 2 side this season,
Trott has won plenty of plaudits and pledged his future to the east
Londoners by penning a three and a half year deal. Trott has trained with
the first team at the Club's Rush Green base on a number of occasions and,
having put pen to paper on his first professional contract, is keen to push
on and impress further this campaign. He said: "I think it's a massive
achievement for me and my family and I can only thank the people who are
around me and support me every day to get where I am today. Nathan Trott"I
think my family have just supported me along the way. As a kid, everyone
wants to be a footballer but everyone knew I was really serious about
becoming a professional and each year they have just supported me. "I want
to give myself extra time for me to work and I want to try to prove to fans
that I can become a really great player. "I want to establish myself as the
No1 for the U23s and play week in, week out and get used to the feeling of
being No1. "
The Hammers recently secured the future of equally promising talent Domingos
Quina and have showed a lot of faith in young players, giving the likes of
Reece Oxford and Marcus Browne their senior bows over the last two seasons.
Bermudan-born Trott revealed the confidence the Club has in youngsters
played a huge role in his decision to sign before praising the work of those
in the Academy of Football. "It was probably the main factor in me wanting
to sign here," he continued. "Your work is always seen around the Academy
and you'll be given the chance if you deserve it. "[At the Academy], Terry
[Westley, Academy Manager] and Liam [Manning, Academy Coach and Assistant
Manager] have been very supportive of me and and my coach JJ [Jerome John,
Academy Goalkeeping Coach] as well.
"Those three are probably the main three who have pushed me. It's important
that now they keep onto me. "I also like the competition [at the Club]. I
don't see it as a negative thing. I think it helps me to become a better
player myself, especially when you're training with first team goalkeepers
like Randolph and Adrian. I think you get better as you train with people
who are better than you."
Finally Trott, who describes himself as a goalkeeper who depends on his
reflexes and has brilliant footwork, explained what it would mean to him to
make his first team bow at the Club's new London Stadium home one day. "It
would be a dream for me to make my debut at the new Stadium. Obviously
that's my main goal, and I want to work my way through the ranks at West Ham
and hopefully in a couple of years or sooner I can make my debut at London
Stadium."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Any Old Irons
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph, Adrian and Julian Dicks paid a visit to the Any Old Irons
project
West Ham United Foundation and partners bring together older Hammers for
friendship and fun
Initiative held at East Ham Working Men's Club in Upton Park
Darren Randolph and Adrian enjoyed a trip down memory lane recently, at the
launch of a joint initiative between the West Ham United Foundation and
national charity Friends of the Elderly, aimed at bringing together Hammers
fans aged 65 and over. The pair were joined by Hammers legend and current
first-team coaching assistant Julian Dicks at Any Old Irons, a project
celebrating and exploring the Club's rich history, and giving those involved
the opportunity to bond over their shared love of West Ham United. Randolph,
Adrian and Dicks enjoyed a lively question and answer session with the group
of older supporters and then spent time chatting to them personally at the
event in east London. Any Old Irons is another brilliant initiative from the
West Ham United Foundation, offering support to older people in the West Ham
community
Randolph said: "It was fantastic to meet some of our older supporters and
see the passion they have for the Club. Some of them have been following
West Ham for a very long time and they had some great stories to tell. It's
so nice that they are able to get together at an event like this and share
their love of the club."
Dicks added: "Any Old Irons is another brilliant initiative from the West
Ham United Foundation, offering support to older people in the West Ham
community. "By bringing together Hammers' fans who may not be socially
active, Any Old Irons helps keep vulnerable fans connected. It's great to
see so many supporters from different generations bonding over our club and
their shared memories."
Run in conjunction with the Premier League and the Professional Footballers'
Association (PFA), Any Old Irons is part of the Football Friends programme.
The initiative gives participants the opportunity to connect with other fans
and locals in their community, bringing them together for fun and
friendship. Those attending can also learn how to stay in touch with their
fellow fans and the Club using digital technology.
Don Adams, 67, from east London, took part in the first Football Friends
programme in March 2015. After retiring six years ago, Don found there was
nothing of interest for him to get involved with. He said: "You hear so many
things aimed at senior women but little that also includes men. The Football
Friends programme has changed my life. "It's got me out of the house, it's
got me interacting with other people and I've made new friends."
The Any Old Irons event, held at East Ham Working Men's Club, also provided
an example of the club's ongoing commitment to providing support for the
community in the Upton Park area. The project is possible thanks to funding
and resource provided by West Ham United Foundation, Friends of the Elderly,
the Premier League and PFA.
The PL/PFA Fund supports community projects delivered by professional
football clubs, by allowing them to work in partnership with local agencies
and charities who deliver programmes that will help and support those taking
part. The Fund allows clubs to focus on areas of need for their local
community and develop partnerships that will look to address these.
Sally McLachlan, Senior Engagement Manager at Friends of the Elderly, said:
"We are really excited to be launching our rolling Football Friends
programme, Any Old Irons, with West Ham United Foundation. We know that
loneliness is an issue for older people for many different reasons. This
programme not only helps to overcome loneliness, but it also supports
prevention, giving participants the confidence to become involved in their
local community once again."
The project takes place at East Ham Working Men's Club and is open to anyone
over the age of 65. Places are limited and will be allocated on a
first-reserved basis - those interested in attending should call Friends of
the Elderly on 0330 332 1110.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brooking - We need our big strikers back among the goals
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking believes West Ham have shown they have the capabilities
to compete with the big teams in the Premier League and feels the return of
key strikers such as Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew will transform the way the
team is performing.
Brooking was at London Stadium to see the Hammers suffer a disappointing
home defeat against Arsenal last Saturday and knows it could have been a
different story if Slaven Bilic had been able to call upon his established
forwards if they had been fully fit.
The Hammers manager has suffered a number of injury problems this season,
particularly to his forward line and has been forced to do without the
services of Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Club record signing Ayew for the
majority of the season.
Brooking certainly knows a thing or too about getting on the scoresheet,
having scored over 100 goals for the east London Club and feels the return
of players such as Carroll and Ayew will make the Hammers a much stronger
outfit ahead of a crucial period of games.
Brooking said: "You can see the capability that the team has after we played
so well to get a victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup and no-one has beaten
them in recent weeks.
"But we have suffered a number of injuries, so the form of certain players
has not been as strong and scoring goals has been a big issue. We have just
got to be patient.
"We have got a flurry of games coming up and we need to see how the team
emerges going into the New Year and that will give us a clearer picture of
what is ahead.
"We need more goals and I was really upset that Diafra Sakho got injured
again because he came back really well and made a difference in the
Tottenham game.
"He scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford but then got injured
again. He is a player who can turn defences around and it is a big loss.
"We saw last season what a threat Andy Carroll can be and he needs to stay
fit. When he is fit he is a handful and our biggest challenge has been to
score sufficient goals.
"I hope Andy can gradually come back and Andre Ayew can start to show his
best form. We also need to get Diafra fit again because he was starting to
show what we can do when we have a decent striker up there."
BrookingBrooking would love to see West Ham repeat what they achieved at
Anfield last season when they ended 52 years without a victory to secure a
memorable 3-0 win over Liverpool.
But with Jurgen Klopp's side going for the title this season, the Hammers
legend knows the difficult task facing his former Club and hopes they can
get something before they face two massive home games against Burnley and
Hull.
Brooking added: "Liverpool have got a couple of injuries at the moment but
it is not an easy place to go and they are a bit like Chelsea this season
that they don't have European distraction and were always going to be
challenging for the title.
"They have got a lot of strength in depth and it will be a tough game. We
had great result there last year but I can't remember having the best of
times at Anfield during my playing days.
"The only game I can remember something positive from was when little Pop
Robson was playing for us and we were 2-0 up with ten minutes to go but they
came back and got a draw, even though we played them off the park.
"It is always a great place to play and the atmosphere and banter between
the fans is great.
"You normally look forward to it, but with the ways things are going and the
gaps in the squad, we want to emerge from it without to much damage.
"The next two home games against Burnley and Hull are massive and we want to
try and get back on a winning run."
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham boss sets top-10 Premier League target
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic expects his side to finish in the top half of the
Premier League, despite sitting one place above the relegation zone. The
Hammers are winless in their past five league games and are just a point
away from the bottom three. Speaking to BBC Sport's Gary Lineker before
Saturday's 5-1 loss to Arsenal, Bilic, 48, said he was "confident" that his
side will finish "minimum top 10". "We are not happy with the position we
are in at the moment," he added.
The interview features on The Premier League Show at 22:00 GMT on Thursday
on BBC Two. West Ham, who relocated to the former Olympic Stadium over the
summer, finished seventh last term but have won just two home games in the
league this season. Bilic, who received the backing of club owner David
Sullivan at the weekend, accepts that there is pressure to improve results.
"We are in a position we are not happy with and where we have to bite our
nails," said the Croat.
"We are not directly talking about relegation but straight after your game
you have to look at the results here and the results there. It's not ideal
"I feel the support of the fans, the team and the board. My next few games
are my test."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Alvaro Arbeloa has enjoyed many high points during his career winning the
World Cup with Spain and the Champions League with Real Madrid. The
33-year-old is now facing a challenge of a different kind as he looks to
help West Ham move away from the bottom three and get their season back on
track as they prepare to face his former club Liverpool on Sunday. Arbeloa
has a wealth of experience at the top level and hopes he can use some of
that to help his team-mates get back on the winning trail and make amends
for the disappointing home defeat against Arsenal last weekend.....
Alvaro, the team is experiencing a difficult spell at the moment. Is this a
time when we need our experienced players and people who have won trophies
at the highest level to lift the other players in the dressing room?
AA: "Of course this is a very tough time for everyone at the Club and we are
facing pressure because we need points. "The main thing we can do as players
is to work even harder during the week and when we are on the pitch, we need
to stay together and fight until the end. "We need to be ready for
everything and focused on the game. We need to do everything perfect and do
our best. That is the only thing we can do now."
How much of a different challenge is this for you now, because you have won
major honours for both club and country and are now having to help the team
move away from the bottom of the table?
AA: "This is a different challenge but I am used to this kind of pressure
because when I played for Real Madrid, if we lost one game it was really bad
so I know what to expect. "Every week and every day at Madrid we were under
pressure so I am used to it but this is a different kind of situation. "We
have to train with a high intensity and we have to show our best form."
You have been fortunate enough to play in a number of successful teams. Can
you see the quality in the squad that will help turn the Club's fortunes
around?
AA: "Of course I can see that. When I see my team-mates I know that they
have quality. "I think the players are hurting a great a deal after what
happened on Saturday. We have a great manager and great players. "We have
been hit by a number of injuries, but there is nothing we can do about that.
We are training as hard as we can and we need to stay together as a team and
get more points."
The Hammers had a memorable victory against Liverpool last season winning
3-0 on Merseyside. Can the team get a similar kind of result on Sunday?
AA: "It will not be easy but of course we can get a victory. They lost 4-3
against Bournemouth last weekend so it is possible. "West Ham won at Anfield
last season so there is no reason why we cannot do that again."
Have you been back to Anfield since leaving Liverpool and what do you
remember about the occasion?
AA: "I went back with Real Madrid two-years ago and we had an amazing game
winning 3-0. We had a great performance that night because Liverpool were
playing well at the time. "It was my first time back for a number of years
and it felt a bit strange going into a different dressing room. "But it was
great for me to sample the atmosphere again. The supporters were always
great towards me and it was nice for me to come away with a victory."
Can you see any comparisons between Liverpool and West Ham and the amazing
support that the fans show towards the team?
AA: "Liverpool are a massive Club and there is a good feeling between the
fans and the team. "I can see a lot of comparisons with West Ham because
when I first came to London I knew they also had really good fans and there
is a great connection between the players and the fans. "I could see that
when I used to play for Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground and I could feel that
from the West Ham fans. It is important to have that kind of support and
they are among the best supporters in England."
What would be your standout memories from your time at Liverpool?
AA: "I have really good memories but it was obviously disappointing to lose
the Champions League Final against AC Milan in Athens.
"For me every game that I played at Anfield was amazing and I remember
beating Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield which was a great night and it was an
amazing final season that I had there when we were fighting for the title
with Manchester United. "I played with some great players like Steven
Gerrard, Javier Mascherano, Fernando Torres and they are legends at the
Club. "I once again see similarities with West Ham as they both have great
anthems when you walk onto the pitch and you can feel something special when
you go onto the pitch."
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Ashton - Everyone needs to stick together
WHUFC.com
Memories came flooding back for former striker Dean Ashton when the Emirates
FA Cup third round draw was made on Monday night. The Hammers were drawn at
home against Manchester City and who could forget Deano's memorable brace
against City back in March 2006 which helped the Hammers come away with a
2-1 victory and set the Club on the way to their first FA Cup Final since
1980. Ashton enjoyed a number of memorable moments in a claret and blue
shirt but his performance at the Etihad Stadium ranks alongside one of his
best and he would now love to see the Hammers cause another big upset. The
former Hammers striker is well aware that the Premier League is the number
one priority, but feels a good cup run could only bring more confidence into
the squad at a time when everyone needs to come together.....
I had a great time at West Ham United but the Manchester City game in the FA
Cup is one of those games I get reminded about and the fans always talk to
me about the first goal I scored. It was a special night for everyone at the
Club and we felt at that stage that it was going to be our year. We came
into the game with a lot of confidence as we had been on a good run of form,
including a big away win over Arsenal. I had managed to get a few goals and
was showing what I could bring to the Club. I still love watching the
Manchester City game back and the first goal that I scored. I managed to
produce a flashy bit of skill after receiving a pass from Nigel Reo-Coker
and took the ball around Sylvain Distin who is no slouch and I managed to
smash the ball past David James into the corner of the net. It was with my
weaker left foot but I was so happy to see the ball go in and I still enjoy
watching the celebrations that followed. The victory brought even more
confidence into the squad and after beating Middlesbrough in the semi-final
at Villa Park, we came so close to beating Liverpool in the Final.
I know this is a tough draw for West Ham but the FA Cup is slightly
different and we don't know what kind of a team Pep Guardiola will put out
on the day. If we can manage to get a win, it will bring so much confidence
into the squad and it can help with the league form as it will give the
players a big lift. We found that after winning at the Etihad Stadium on
that Monday night and we were flying that season. This is a tough time for
West Ham at the moment but everyone needs to stick together. The Club is not
being helped by injuries to key players and the weekend defeat against
Arsenal was very disappointing. But we need to show more fight and be harder
to beat and that will allow players such as Payet and Lanzini to show a bit
of magic and nick a goal at the other end.
This is a tough run of fixtures but the team will have good memories of
their performance against Liverpool at Anfield last season and they need to
take that into the game. I believe this is a good time to play Liverpool
following their 4-3 defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday and I see it being
a close game.
When I look at the squad I believe there is enough quality to turn the
situation around but we need the strikers to start scoring again. We
obviously need players like Andy Carroll to come back and it will make such
a difference.
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Stopper Trott signs first pro deal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce that promising goalkeeper Nathan
Trott has signed his first professional contract to keep him at the Club
until 2020. The stopper is one of the country's most highly-rated keepers
and recently earned his first England call-up, joining up with the U19 squad
in October. Starring for the Hammers' Premier League 2 side this season,
Trott has won plenty of plaudits and pledged his future to the east
Londoners by penning a three and a half year deal. Trott has trained with
the first team at the Club's Rush Green base on a number of occasions and,
having put pen to paper on his first professional contract, is keen to push
on and impress further this campaign. He said: "I think it's a massive
achievement for me and my family and I can only thank the people who are
around me and support me every day to get where I am today. Nathan Trott"I
think my family have just supported me along the way. As a kid, everyone
wants to be a footballer but everyone knew I was really serious about
becoming a professional and each year they have just supported me. "I want
to give myself extra time for me to work and I want to try to prove to fans
that I can become a really great player. "I want to establish myself as the
No1 for the U23s and play week in, week out and get used to the feeling of
being No1. "
The Hammers recently secured the future of equally promising talent Domingos
Quina and have showed a lot of faith in young players, giving the likes of
Reece Oxford and Marcus Browne their senior bows over the last two seasons.
Bermudan-born Trott revealed the confidence the Club has in youngsters
played a huge role in his decision to sign before praising the work of those
in the Academy of Football. "It was probably the main factor in me wanting
to sign here," he continued. "Your work is always seen around the Academy
and you'll be given the chance if you deserve it. "[At the Academy], Terry
[Westley, Academy Manager] and Liam [Manning, Academy Coach and Assistant
Manager] have been very supportive of me and and my coach JJ [Jerome John,
Academy Goalkeeping Coach] as well.
"Those three are probably the main three who have pushed me. It's important
that now they keep onto me. "I also like the competition [at the Club]. I
don't see it as a negative thing. I think it helps me to become a better
player myself, especially when you're training with first team goalkeepers
like Randolph and Adrian. I think you get better as you train with people
who are better than you."
Finally Trott, who describes himself as a goalkeeper who depends on his
reflexes and has brilliant footwork, explained what it would mean to him to
make his first team bow at the Club's new London Stadium home one day. "It
would be a dream for me to make my debut at the new Stadium. Obviously
that's my main goal, and I want to work my way through the ranks at West Ham
and hopefully in a couple of years or sooner I can make my debut at London
Stadium."
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Any Old Irons
WHUFC.com
Darren Randolph, Adrian and Julian Dicks paid a visit to the Any Old Irons
project
West Ham United Foundation and partners bring together older Hammers for
friendship and fun
Initiative held at East Ham Working Men's Club in Upton Park
Darren Randolph and Adrian enjoyed a trip down memory lane recently, at the
launch of a joint initiative between the West Ham United Foundation and
national charity Friends of the Elderly, aimed at bringing together Hammers
fans aged 65 and over. The pair were joined by Hammers legend and current
first-team coaching assistant Julian Dicks at Any Old Irons, a project
celebrating and exploring the Club's rich history, and giving those involved
the opportunity to bond over their shared love of West Ham United. Randolph,
Adrian and Dicks enjoyed a lively question and answer session with the group
of older supporters and then spent time chatting to them personally at the
event in east London. Any Old Irons is another brilliant initiative from the
West Ham United Foundation, offering support to older people in the West Ham
community
Randolph said: "It was fantastic to meet some of our older supporters and
see the passion they have for the Club. Some of them have been following
West Ham for a very long time and they had some great stories to tell. It's
so nice that they are able to get together at an event like this and share
their love of the club."
Dicks added: "Any Old Irons is another brilliant initiative from the West
Ham United Foundation, offering support to older people in the West Ham
community. "By bringing together Hammers' fans who may not be socially
active, Any Old Irons helps keep vulnerable fans connected. It's great to
see so many supporters from different generations bonding over our club and
their shared memories."
Run in conjunction with the Premier League and the Professional Footballers'
Association (PFA), Any Old Irons is part of the Football Friends programme.
The initiative gives participants the opportunity to connect with other fans
and locals in their community, bringing them together for fun and
friendship. Those attending can also learn how to stay in touch with their
fellow fans and the Club using digital technology.
Don Adams, 67, from east London, took part in the first Football Friends
programme in March 2015. After retiring six years ago, Don found there was
nothing of interest for him to get involved with. He said: "You hear so many
things aimed at senior women but little that also includes men. The Football
Friends programme has changed my life. "It's got me out of the house, it's
got me interacting with other people and I've made new friends."
The Any Old Irons event, held at East Ham Working Men's Club, also provided
an example of the club's ongoing commitment to providing support for the
community in the Upton Park area. The project is possible thanks to funding
and resource provided by West Ham United Foundation, Friends of the Elderly,
the Premier League and PFA.
The PL/PFA Fund supports community projects delivered by professional
football clubs, by allowing them to work in partnership with local agencies
and charities who deliver programmes that will help and support those taking
part. The Fund allows clubs to focus on areas of need for their local
community and develop partnerships that will look to address these.
Sally McLachlan, Senior Engagement Manager at Friends of the Elderly, said:
"We are really excited to be launching our rolling Football Friends
programme, Any Old Irons, with West Ham United Foundation. We know that
loneliness is an issue for older people for many different reasons. This
programme not only helps to overcome loneliness, but it also supports
prevention, giving participants the confidence to become involved in their
local community once again."
The project takes place at East Ham Working Men's Club and is open to anyone
over the age of 65. Places are limited and will be allocated on a
first-reserved basis - those interested in attending should call Friends of
the Elderly on 0330 332 1110.
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Brooking - We need our big strikers back among the goals
WHUFC.com
Sir Trevor Brooking believes West Ham have shown they have the capabilities
to compete with the big teams in the Premier League and feels the return of
key strikers such as Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew will transform the way the
team is performing.
Brooking was at London Stadium to see the Hammers suffer a disappointing
home defeat against Arsenal last Saturday and knows it could have been a
different story if Slaven Bilic had been able to call upon his established
forwards if they had been fully fit.
The Hammers manager has suffered a number of injury problems this season,
particularly to his forward line and has been forced to do without the
services of Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Club record signing Ayew for the
majority of the season.
Brooking certainly knows a thing or too about getting on the scoresheet,
having scored over 100 goals for the east London Club and feels the return
of players such as Carroll and Ayew will make the Hammers a much stronger
outfit ahead of a crucial period of games.
Brooking said: "You can see the capability that the team has after we played
so well to get a victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup and no-one has beaten
them in recent weeks.
"But we have suffered a number of injuries, so the form of certain players
has not been as strong and scoring goals has been a big issue. We have just
got to be patient.
"We have got a flurry of games coming up and we need to see how the team
emerges going into the New Year and that will give us a clearer picture of
what is ahead.
"We need more goals and I was really upset that Diafra Sakho got injured
again because he came back really well and made a difference in the
Tottenham game.
"He scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford but then got injured
again. He is a player who can turn defences around and it is a big loss.
"We saw last season what a threat Andy Carroll can be and he needs to stay
fit. When he is fit he is a handful and our biggest challenge has been to
score sufficient goals.
"I hope Andy can gradually come back and Andre Ayew can start to show his
best form. We also need to get Diafra fit again because he was starting to
show what we can do when we have a decent striker up there."
BrookingBrooking would love to see West Ham repeat what they achieved at
Anfield last season when they ended 52 years without a victory to secure a
memorable 3-0 win over Liverpool.
But with Jurgen Klopp's side going for the title this season, the Hammers
legend knows the difficult task facing his former Club and hopes they can
get something before they face two massive home games against Burnley and
Hull.
Brooking added: "Liverpool have got a couple of injuries at the moment but
it is not an easy place to go and they are a bit like Chelsea this season
that they don't have European distraction and were always going to be
challenging for the title.
"They have got a lot of strength in depth and it will be a tough game. We
had great result there last year but I can't remember having the best of
times at Anfield during my playing days.
"The only game I can remember something positive from was when little Pop
Robson was playing for us and we were 2-0 up with ten minutes to go but they
came back and got a draw, even though we played them off the park.
"It is always a great place to play and the atmosphere and banter between
the fans is great.
"You normally look forward to it, but with the ways things are going and the
gaps in the squad, we want to emerge from it without to much damage.
"The next two home games against Burnley and Hull are massive and we want to
try and get back on a winning run."
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Slaven Bilic: West Ham boss sets top-10 Premier League target
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic expects his side to finish in the top half of the
Premier League, despite sitting one place above the relegation zone. The
Hammers are winless in their past five league games and are just a point
away from the bottom three. Speaking to BBC Sport's Gary Lineker before
Saturday's 5-1 loss to Arsenal, Bilic, 48, said he was "confident" that his
side will finish "minimum top 10". "We are not happy with the position we
are in at the moment," he added.
The interview features on The Premier League Show at 22:00 GMT on Thursday
on BBC Two. West Ham, who relocated to the former Olympic Stadium over the
summer, finished seventh last term but have won just two home games in the
league this season. Bilic, who received the backing of club owner David
Sullivan at the weekend, accepts that there is pressure to improve results.
"We are in a position we are not happy with and where we have to bite our
nails," said the Croat.
"We are not directly talking about relegation but straight after your game
you have to look at the results here and the results there. It's not ideal
"I feel the support of the fans, the team and the board. My next few games
are my test."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th December 2016
Hammers pay tribute to brave Jack
WHUFC.com
Jack one at West Ham United has been deeply saddened by the passing of brave young Hammer Jack Howard. The 12-year-old succumbed to kidney cancer after a courageous fight boosted by the support of thousands of fellow West Ham fans from all over the world. After supporters and well-wishers raised more than £250,000, Jack travelled to California for pioneering treatment in September, having received a Facetime message from his heroes Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram. Sadly, Jack did not recover from his illness and he returned home last month after it became clear the treatment had not worked. Speaking on behalf of the squad, Payet and Byram paid tribute to him. "It's hugely saddening to hear about Jack's passing," said Byram. "His energy, positivity and strength were inspiring. "You could tell how passionate he was, so it's very hard news to take. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." "I really enjoyed our conversation with Jack a few weeks ago, so it's very sad news," echoed Payet. "I'd like to say thank you to everyone who helped treat him and wish his family well."
Jack's aunt, Keely Howard, who led the campaign to raise funds for his treatment, spoke on behalf of his parents Nick and Zoe in paying tribute to the valiant schoolboy. "It's been overwhelming and we're really grateful for all the help and support, and Jack was grateful," she said. "As parents they did everything that they could, but unfortunately he slipped away. "He was with his Mum and Dad in bed when it happened and is now in peace with his West Ham shirt on. "The family are so grateful. They never thought they'd get that support and they're grateful that they had the opportunity to go to the States and give that treatment a go."
Jack, who loved nothing more than cheering his Claret and Blue heroes on from the stand, had previously undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2013. He also had a kidney removed before going into remission in February 2014, but the cancer returned in December last year. Six months later, doctors thought he only had weeks to live. The Club became aware of the fundraising drive, with Payet and Byram cheering Jack with an unexpected call. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan donated £5,000 towards his treatment, while a West Ham-themed non-uniform day at his school, Gravesend Grammar. You could tell how passionate Jack was, so it's very hard news to take. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time
At the Premier League visit of Southampton to London Stadium, fans of both clubs dropped thousands of pounds into collection buckets outside the ground. Tragically, Jack took a dangerous turn just a fortnight before flying to Los Angeles, with UK doctors again unsure if he had days or weeks to live. Jack underwent a strenuous course of treatment in hospital, where he received messages of support from The Rolling Stones and LA Galaxy defender AJ Delagarza, but the brave young Hammer passed away at the weekend. The thoughts of everyone associated with West Ham United are with Jack's loved ones at this sad time.
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Masuaku ready for a big change against Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku is confident he will soon be able to re-produce his best form and has no doubts his team-mates will have a big point to prove when they face Liverpool on Sunday. Masuaku has only just returned from a two-month injury absence after he suffered knee ligament damage during the EFL Cup game against Accrington Stanley back in September. The French defender appeared as a substitute during the EFL quarter-final tie against Manchester United last week after Aaron Cresswell injured his groin and was named in the starting line-up for the home defeat against Arsenal on Saturday. Masuaku says it will take him a bit of time to regain full match sharpness but is working hard every day to put things right and hopes to enjoy more success on the pitch when the Hammers travel to Anfield on Sunday. The 23-year-old admits the players were bitterly disappointed with the outcome against Arsenal and says they are determined to put things right and help turn their season around. Masuaku said: "I'm continuing to work hard in training and show my energy. "This is one of my first spells where I have been out of the team for this long, so I am just doing what I can to return to action. "The defeat against Arsenal on Saturday was not easy and it was a big defeat for us to handle. "Since the beginning of the season we have been enduring a difficult spell but we simply need to keep working hard to change things. "We cannot use the change in system as an excuse for the result as we have played with both a back four and a back five. We simply need to show better concentration."
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Manchester United ballot now open
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ticket ballot for West Ham United's Premier League fixture with Manchester United at London Stadium on Monday 2 January 2017 is now open.
Claret Members who joined prior to this ballot opening can enter the ballot to secure tickets for the visit of the Red Devils between that date and the closing date of 9pm on Monday 19 December.
To enter, Claret Members are required to login to their Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Applicants should ensure that correct bank details are provided sufficient funds are available when the ballot is processed on Monday 19 December.
Fans wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated together.
Supporters entering the ballot have the option of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are happy to accept any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of being successful, kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave the second option blank.
The ballot closes at 9am on Monday 19 December and successful supporters will be notified via email that day.
The window for Bondholders to select their own seats is also open and closes at 9am on Saturday 17 December.
Accessibility tickets are available in all areas for this fixture.
Disabled supporters can apply in the ballot by calling our Accessibility line on 0333 030 0174, visiting the Ticket Office at the London Stadium which is open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays or by emailing accessiblity@westhamunited.co.uk
Hospitality packages for this fixture are available to buy now. For further information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or call 020 8114 2442.
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Burnley priority window now open!
WHUFC.com
Burnley priority window now open to Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and Waiting List members
Hammers host the Clarets at London Stadium on Wednesday 14 December at 7.45pm
Tickets start from £12.50 for Kids and £25 for Adults
West Ham United are pleased to offer supporters on our Season Ticket Waiting List a priority window to purchase tickets for the Premier League home match against Burnley on Wednesday 14 December at 7.45pm. Following the completion of the Members' ticket ballot, a number of extra tickets came back late from the unsold away allocation, which the Club made available due to the extraordinary demand to see fixtures at London Stadium. To reward the loyalty and patience of supporters who joined the Season Ticket Waiting List, we are now offering them a priority window to purchase these remaining tickets.
Buy Burnley tickets now
This is the first time the Club has been able to deliver this benefit to those on the Waiting List, as every other fixture - including the visit of Burnley before these tickets were returned - has sold out to the Members' ballot. The tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are set to sell quickly due to high demand, so hurry to avoid disappointment.
Tickets start from £12.50 for Kids and £25 for Adults.
You can book these tickets online, by clicking here, by telephone on 0333 030 1966, or by visiting the Ticket Office in person.
Although opportunities like this are limited due to the demand for match tickets at London Stadium, going forward we hope there will be further opportunities to offer priority to supporters on the Waiting List and enable our wider fan base to attend matches.
*These tickets are currently available to Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List. The priority window for all groups ends at 9am on Thursday 8 December.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: OXFORD TO FINALLY SIGN A NEW DEAL!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 DECEMBER 2016 AT 11:01AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
We have received some positive news at last, highly rated youngster Reece Oxford should sign a new deal by the weekend. Talks have been going on for a while and we were the first to also report that we had beaten off competition from Manchester United and Manchester City for the academy product a few weeks ago. Reece turns 18 on the 16th December when a longer term deal can be concluded. The terms are expected to be a wage of £20k a week plus performance related bonuses and clauses. Reece is currently out with an injury but he is expected to return to training in the next few weeks to give some options to a leaking defence.
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Boardroom backs Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Co-chairman David Sullivan has give Slaven Bilic the dreaded 'vote of confidence' following Saturday's humiliating defeat at the hands of neighbours Arsenal.
Bilic's side conceded four goals in the space of 14 second half minutes as not for the first time this season, they ran out of ideas and energy as the game entered its final phase.
Yet despite the embarrassing result - which followed a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United and defeat at Tottenham, despite leading 2-1 after 88 minutes - Sullivan insists the under-pressure Croat has his full backing.
"Slaven cares passionately about the football Club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone," he told the club's website. "I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around.
"We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four. His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven in the summer of 2015.
"Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together."
Yet partly mitigating the team's dreadful opening half of the campaign was the sheer number of injuries that have been sustained since the summer, added Sullivan.
"You cannot hide away from the fact that we were missing a number of influential players through injury for the Arsenal game, including both our first choice wing-backs," he added.
"Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are key members of our team and are players who make a big difference to the way we play.
"Just when we thought the injury situation is clearing up, we then lost Diafra Sakho for another six weeks and Cheikhou Kouyate damaged his hamstring the night before the Arsenal game.
"To make matters worse, James Collins then had to leave the field after just seven minutes and all the planning that Slaven and his backroom staff had prepared for the game had gone out the window."
"Hopefully we will see a few of these players back in action next week and the team will show a vast improvement as we prepare for a massive week with big games against Liverpool, Burnley and Hull."
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SLAVEN BILIC – DEAD MAN WALKING?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 DECEMBER 2016 AT 9:31PM
TehWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @lee_wilko_12
This article from myself will cover my views on the current situation at the club regarding the board, Slaven Bilic and everything in between.
Another week passes and another West Ham defeat (well two this week actually). A midweek cup defeat at the hands of Manchester United and a Saturday evening mauling by Arsenal. It is turning into a regular feeling for me this season, every time we play I get my hopes up and pray we get the three points and we see a great performance and then after it all I am left disappointed and deflated. After Saturday's performance I saw West Ham Twitter go into overdrive, from abuse for the players, board and Bilic himself. Every account I follow had things to say regarding the situation and I saw a lot of very valid points, as well as a few stupid comments, which is normal.
I think it is safe to say this season has been an unmitigated disaster, from an early Europe exit and a summer of signings we all wished didn't happen, to what seems now like a relegation battle. As I mentioned in my previous column, I thought summer was tragic and we failed in every way to bring in not only the right type of players, but for the right positions. After the season we had in 2015/2016, we needed the type of quality to get us further into Europe and a good league finish, it was our best chance in a long time to sign some real quality players. The season before we played some great stuff and looked like a team on the up and could push even higher up the table the following season. A brand new stadium, Europe, a manager who was getting the results we had been begging for and a team that played so well together, worked tirelessly for each other and with passion and desire. The majority of Hammers fan went into the Summer window praying for a new right back, at least two forwards, a winger or two and a midfielder for some strength in depth. What we got was a joke to say the least, two cheap owners who refused to open their chequebooks, but instead decided to use their "cunning" to try and get players on free deals and loan deals. That was the first of many bad things to come in a season that has been horrible thus far and I wish was already over. Yet again we get knocked out of Europe in the qualifiers, so straight away people were not happy with the club, going out once to a team of essentially part-timers is in some form okay and could be seen as a fluke on their part, but for it to happen a year later to the same team is shocking.
Fast forward and a few games into the season and it isn't looking good, we haven't had a good start with results, the stadium is not liked by the fans, crowd trouble in every game and fans starting to turn on the board. In regards to the stadium, I know it is not Upton Park and it never will be, but the atmosphere definitely can be the same, the League Cup game against Chelsea was great, the noise levels and energy from the fans was electric. That is exactly how it should be and if were winning week in week out the stadium would start to feel more like home and teams would start to fear going there. At the moment with the way things are teams aren't afraid to come here, it isn't intimidating in the slightest, we sure as hell make noise when it is going right, but when it is going wrong it is silent. I do feel all in all the stadium will eventually be loved by the fans, but right now it isn't. I don't think the stadium was ready for us to move in and use as a home ground at all. There are so many problems with it, from seating to stewards and the fact we sell popcorn, which I find embarrassing beyond belief. If these issues get sorted, I can see it eventually becoming our new home, but right now it is far from that. It feels like the equivalent of moving from a lovely house you've owned for years, to renting a crappy one-bedroom flat. I feel like the seating needs to be sorted ASAP, get family sections and get a safe standing area, look at Celtic and their safe standing section, it is phenomenal, the noise is deafening and the energy of that stadium is something else, it is always bouncing. In regards to the stewards it really does feel like they are really out to catch the fans out, winding our fans up, ejecting them from the stadium and putting their names forward to get them banned is pathetic. We need to hire some real stewards who can do their jobs and can make the stadium a safe place to be in and can control any trouble if it does kick off, because right now if Millwall came to our ground for a game it would be absolute chaos, none of them would have a single clue what to do. Get the stewarding and seating sorted and you'll have the fans feeling happier and get the stadium feeling like home.
The fans are what make this club what it is, without us this club would be nothing. The passion you see from the West Ham fans every week is insane, when goals go in there are limbs flying everywhere and when we lose you better believe it hurts us just as much as the players. I feel like the board didn't think a great deal about how much the move would affect the fans, you think about the fans that have been visiting Upton Park since they were little kids and are now fully grown adults, they go from this place they call home, to a giant empty soulless bowl of a stadium which was built for The Olympics, not football.
Onto Slaven Bilic, I love this man, he is passionate and you can tell he cares very deeply for this club and his job. I think he is taking a hell of a lot of stick for the results this season, which can be understood, but at the same time he can only do so much. What are you supposed to do when your players cannot even do the simplest things correctly? I am pretty sure we are top for errors leading to goals, we cannot score goals, we cannot defend, we can barely string passes together, let alone win a game convincingly. I think I am going to get a lot of stick for this, but I don't want him sacked. I think he is the man to lead us forward, he is a huge step up from Sam Allardyce, who would get a 1-0 lead and then defend for the rest of the game. I do agree the post-match interview comments were very strange, such odd comments to make, saying we can't even get any intensity in training let alone games. If Bilic has lost the dressing room then I think his days will be numbered, just look at Jose Mourinho at Chelsea last season, one of the most decorated managers in football, he lost the confidence of the players and that was it for him. Last season I saw us play some of the best football I have ever seen at West Ham, we outplayed the big teams in almost every game with them. Injuries as always are a massive thing at the club and for the life of me I don't know why. It feels like we are the only club in the league that always has multiple first team players injured. Have we even had a fully fit squad at all this season? Every single week without fail there is someone new getting injured. I think the blame lies with the players for the results this season, the team seems so disjointed and they are acting like they haven't played together before. We are struggling to do anything right at the moment and we have three huge games coming up after Liverpool, which will be crucial to our season. If we can get a couple of wins back to back, it could really turn our season around, but it just feels like right now that isn't going to happen.
Now onto the reason I think we are in this mess, David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady. I now believe a strong majority of West Ham fans have had enough of them and want them gone, I know they don't control the results but they are accountable for the Summer Window and these "promises" we were sold for the new stadium. I could sit here for hours writing every single thing these people have done wrong for and to our club, but I am not going to do that. However, there are so many off the top of my head, starting with the summer transfer window, we were told a bunch of lies about how we were going to splash the cash and buy big and get a £30 million striker, which never happened. Sullivan coming out and spouting his mouth off about this in the first place was stupid enough, as clubs knew we would spend big and push the price up. Offering Carlos Tevez £150k a week wages and making it public knowledge, if I am a player and West Ham come bidding for me, then I know they have offered big wages and I will want high wages, as they are clearly willing to pay them. I don't know who has the final say on transfers, but it always seems Sullivan signs players he wants, I always have and always will believe the manager should decide, as he is the one in charge of the team and knows what he needs. Some of the signings made during the Gold/Sullivan era have been laughable, Modibo Maiga, Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Chamakh and John Carew to name a few. Lies upon lies regarding the new stadium, we were promised so much and we have been given so little. The stadium West Ham fans were sold and the one we got are two completely different things. It is even the stupid little things such as changing the badge after David Gold said they were never going to do it. Karren Brady's comments about no arrests being the real winner was embarrassing and she really should keep her opinions to herself.
In my eyes, I think it is time the board left or found some investment, as I feel and know a lot of other fans feel like this club isn't West Ham anymore. We are not a football club anymore, we are a brand, we are not fans, we are customers. It really feels like now it is all about the money we are making. We have been sold a bunch of lies for the past couple of years and if all three of them left, you wouldn't see me shed a tear. I am not saying get some rich Arab investors so we can hope to be the new Manchester City, because I don't want that. They aren't a football club in my eyes, they are filled with plastic fans and they can't even fill their stadium up every week, which is pathetic. I just want the old West Ham back, the family club, didn't matter if we won or lost, the fans laughed and had a good time, we weren't a brand we were a football club that you loved with all your heart and cheered on for 90 minutes every week. We are starting to lose our identity and I have even seen some fans that don't care anymore. The board have screwed us over this season with their stupid penny pinching in the summer window and it has cost us. We are in a relegation battle and we need to start picking up points fast and get ourselves up the table.
COYI
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Banned fan reinstated
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
The season ticket holder who was banned from the Olympic Stadium for displaying a flag calling for the removal of vice-chair Karren Brady has been told that he is welcome to return to the venue. Following KUMB's story yesterday, the fan in question was contacted by the club and told that the ban - which had been instigated at the behest of stadium operators LS185 and the Met Police - had been lifted.
A friend of the banned fan told KUMB: "West Ham contacted him and said his case was being dealt with and to expect a decision either way by the evening. "They called back and said the ban was from the stadium owners, LS185, not from the club. The Police and LS185 decided on the ban and were unsure when it would be lifted. "However he is now allowed back with immediate effect."
The flag displayed outside the ground before it was confiscated and the owner banned The fan in question has also been invited to a meeting with West Ham United's current Managing Director, Angus Kinnear, to discuss his concerns.
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Goodnight, little Jack
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Young West Ham supporter Jack Howard, who had been receiving treatment for cancer in the US, has passed away. The 12-year-old's family confirmed the sad news via Twitter this morning, bringing to an end Jack's four-year battle against the disease. Jack, who was visited by West Ham players such as Dimi Payet and Aaron Cresswell during his latest stay in hospital was suffering from a Wilms tumor, a kidney-related cancer that is mostly found in children. Kind-hearted friends and West Ham fans had pitched in to raise the funds necessary to send Jack to the States in order to undergo pioneering treatment back in September. The fund currently stands at an astonishing £177,785. The thoughts of everyone at KUMB.com are with Jack's family at this difficult time.
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London Stadium could stage 2019 Cricket World Cup matches
BBC.co.uk
London Stadium will be considered as a venue for the 2019 World Cup, if it is found suitable for staging cricket. The England and Wales Cricket Board have been asked by the International Cricket Council to suggest high-capacity venues. The 60,000-seat capacity of the former Olympic Stadium is much larger than any cricket ground in the UK. But a feasibility test of the venue - including the size of the potential playing surface - is yet to take place. Only if that test were passed would London Stadium potentially be put forward as an addition to the 11 venues currently vying to host matches. Those grounds are Lord's, The Oval, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Headingley, Cardiff, Southampton, Chester-le-Street, Taunton and Bristol. Of that list, Lord's has the highest capacity at around 30,000.
However, the ICC is keen to replicate the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which saw attendances in excess of 90,000 in Melbourne and games held at other large stadiums in Sydney, Adelaide and Auckland. Of those, Auckland's Eden Park, traditionally a rugby ground, has dimensions that left the straight boundaries incredibly short. London Stadium, which has been considered for T20 matches by county side Essex, would have to be able to accommodate a playing surface large enough to host international cricket. It would also need to be available, but with the tournament running from 30 May to 15 July, it is unlikely to encroach upon the needs of tenants West Ham United or affect the annual Anniversary Games athletics meeting.
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Wigan Athletic are set to lose Reece Burke as West Ham United want to recall him according to a report from the Essex Live.
The72.co.uk
The Hammers have currently got a serious problem in the right back area due to a number of injuries and poor performances. Their usual man in that spot Sam Byram, who as signed from Leeds United last season, is not close to a return after suffering a serious thigh injury while James Collins was recently consigned to the treatment table when he was forced off with an injury in the 5-1 loss to Arsenal.
West Ham do have Alvaro Arbeloa as a reserve right back and he was brought on after James Collins was injured, but he'd go on to have a complete horror show with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain simply tearing him apart in that position, which has made their head coach Slaven Bilic very reluctant to play him again.
And because of that Bilic has looked to Burke who has been on loan to Wigan for most of the season. The young defender has been a massive success for the Latics this season and even got his first goal of the season at the weekend in the match against Huddersfield Town. He is also coming off a brilliant season after he picked up a number of Player of the Season awards while on his loan spell with Bradford City.
And with Arbeloa lacking any sort of form and fitness, West Ham are set to recall him and end his spell at Wigan so they can sort out of their own defensive problems.
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Former West Ham forward Mauro Zarate eager to prove himself at Fiorentina despite difficult start
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Mauro Zarate has no regrets about leaving West Ham for Fiorentina. The striker left the Hammers for the Italian side back in January for a fee of around £1.6m. But since the move he has struggled to settle and he has played just 98 minutes of competitive football this season. It has sparked rumours Zarate could be on the move again, but his agent - Fabio Firmani - insists that is not the case.
"Zarate is absolutely not thinking about the transfer market," Firmani told FirenzeViola. "He feels great in Florence and he's very grateful to the city from a human point of view for the affection he received in a difficult time. "He'll always feel indebted to the Florentines, and now he's totally focused on the Viola shirt. His first desire is to do well with Fiorentina, if the club change their plans then they'll tell us. "As with all situations, they could change their mind in January but so far I haven't heard anything about that."
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold in fresh Twitter gaffe as Hammers fan dupes him with picture of TV star
A Hammers fan sent an innocent-looking tweet, asking Gold for a retweet in support of his Irons-supporting brother starting at a new school
BYJAMES WHALING
11:26, 6 DEC 2016UPDATED11:29, 6 DEC 2016
The Mirror
West Ham co-chairman David Gold is no stranger to a Twitter gaffe - and the former Birmingham chief has been duped once more. A Hammers fan sent an innocent-looking tweet, asking Gold for a retweet in support of his Irons-supporting brother starting at a new school. However, the tweet was accompanied by Inbetweeners character Will McKenzie, complete with trademark briefcase, stood next to his mother. The tweet read: "Evening @ davidgold how are you? My little brother has just started his new school, only West Ham fan! Any chance of an RT? # WestHamFamily."
Gold quoted the original, and added: "Good luck young man. dg."
The London Stadium supremo has previously hit the news for wishing Hammers defender Winston Reid a happy birthday, only to accompany the tweet with an image of Kyle Knoyle. This came after he infamously announced the signing of Pedro Obiang alongside a snap of Angelo Ogbonna, before going on to sign Ogbonna as well. West Ham United Chairman David Gold poses for photographers outside the Olympic stadium on March 24, 2015 Last November, Gold retweeted a picture of a missing person appeal, seemingly failing to recognise the man in the image was in fact Irons flier Michail Antonio.
Oh, David.
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Former Manchester City and Manchester United star Carlos Tevez poised to link up with Gus Poyet at Shanghai Shenhua
Carlos Tevez in action for Boca Juniors
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Shanghai Shenhua are closing in on a mega-money move for former Manchester City, Manchester United and West Ham star Carlos Tevez.
The striker is currently playing for his boyhood club Boca Juniors in Argentina but he now could be off to China. Shanghai Shenhua, who are coached by former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, are in negotiations with the player over a deal worth around £600,000-a-week.
And Shanghai president Wu Xiaohui has revealed that talks have progressed well after weeks of discussions. "We have done a lot of work and it's safe to say that there has been a definite breakthrough in the negotiations," Wu told Shenhua News. "But for a variety of reasons, we have not nailed down the deal. Their club have problems that are still yet to be solved and I will spare you the details. "We will continue to put greater effort into this and strive to give our supporters a pleasant surprise as early as possible."
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West Ham consider loan moves for Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic
EXCLUSIVE
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Relegation-threatened West Ham are pondering a loan move for Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini next month. The East London Premier League club are just one point and one place above the relegation zone and have conceded nine goals in their last two games.
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic feels the Belgium international could provide some much-needed physicality, either as a holding midfielder or to supplement a misfiring forward line. West Ham have badly missed the physical presence of the injury-prone Andy Carroll since the start of the season, although the striker did return as a sub last weekend in the 5-1 humbling by Arsenal — and scored. A move for Fellaini, 29, could suit both clubs. Manchester United fans have been far from convinced about the former Everton player, even more so after he came on in the second half against his former club at Goodison Park on Sunday and conceded a clumsy penalty that denied his team three points.
West Ham could also make a January loan move for Chelsea's reserve goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Adrian, West Ham's first-choice keeper, has had an indifferent season and was recently dropped by Bilic, with Republic of Ireland international Darren Randolph replacing him.
The 29-year-old former Stoke keeper is second choice behind Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge and would welcome the chance of first-team football.
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Bromley's Blair Turgott shows his flair on the grand stage!
Posted on 6th December 2016 by Matt Badcock in England C, National League with 0 Comments
thenonleaguefootballpaper.com
THERE can't be many footballers who have their own profile on the online film bible Internet Movie Database – Blair Turgott does.
It reads: Blair Turgott is an actor, known for Green Street (2005). Now, anyone who has seen the flick in question will know Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood is an American journalist turned West Ham hooligan.
So, what on earth is the Bromley and England C winger doing in it?
"It was crazy," says the former Hammer. "I don't even know how it came about. I was at West Ham and our manager came in and said there's a film our team had to be in.
"At the time we didn't know what it was about. We went to this school to film and Frodo came over! We basically played a game and they recorded it.
"We had another scene in a classroom. In the film they were drawn against Millwall in the cup and we had to cheer. It was rated 18 and I was only nine or ten, but I really wanted to watch it. A few of my goals were in there – it was alright.
"It was a great experience, but crazy. People have told me I'm down as an actor – maybe it could be something to look into after football!"
He's well used to mixing with the stars is young Blair. On his twitter account is a picture with football megastar Lionel Messi from when Argentina trained at West Ham ahead of a friendly with Croatia at Upton Park in 2014.
With the West Ham first team enjoying a week off on the international break, the youngsters were drafted in to train with Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and the main man himself.
"We didn't really touch the ball that much because it was all about them – it was shadow work, but it's one to tell the grandkids about," Turgott smiles.
But the main story he wants to tell his descendants is about his football career. Turgott made one appearance for West Ham – in the infamous 5-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest – with most of his first team action coming on loan.
He was at Bradford City for their incredible League Cup run where they beat Arsenal and Aston Villa on the way to the final at Wembley.
Knock-backs
Spells at Coventry City and, last season, at Leyton Orient followed before the 22-year-old dropped into Non-League with National League Bromley in the summer.
"There were League One and League Two teams I could have gone to on trial in the summer, but it was about getting security and going somewhere I can show what I'm about," he says, perched on the end of his bed in England C's Tallinn hotel.
"Hopefully it's taking one step back to go two steps forward. That's the aim. I've been on loan at clubs and I'm quite experienced for my age – I've played games. For me it's about getting a run of games. Bromley have given me that opportunity. Hopefully I can repay them with my performances."
Already his electric performances have caught the eye of England C boss Paul Fairclough, who immediately picked him from the contingency squad for the Estonia trip after drop outs.
It's not the first time he's pulled on the Three Lions. As a youngster he represented his country through the age groups from U16s up to U19s alongside Raheem Sterling, Nathaniel Chalobah and Jordan Pickford.
He went to the U17 World Cup in Mexico and scored for the U19s in the same stadium England C beat Estonia U23s 2-1. His latest call of international duty, alongside other players who have slipped down the leagues, can give him the confidence to rise again.
"The gaffer said a lot of us have had knock-backs," he says. "We're all here for different reasons. But the common factor is we've all played at a decent level. So we all know where we want to be.
"Everyone's journey is different. A lot of the boys have been released, had injuries and setbacks for different reasons. For me it's about trusting the journey.
"You've got to stay strong mentally and just have confidence in yourself to make it."
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Valencia open talks with Zaza
By Football Espana staff
Valencia have opened talks with Italian striker Simone Zaza - currently on loan at West Ham United from Juventus - according to reports in Spain. The Hammers loaned the Italian international from Juve in August for an initial €5m but a clause exists in his contract that if he plays 14 games for the London club, they must sign him on a permanent deal for €21m - a clause he is three matches away from triggering. However, Zaza has not been selected for either of the past two matches and a report in AS suggests they are unwilling to select him further to ensure the clause is not triggered and allow a January move elsewhere. The report goes on to say that Valencia have made contact with the former Sassuolo striker who 'did not say "no"' and a move in January would be favoured by Los Che who are keen to bolster their attacking options, with former Azzuri boss Cesare Prandelli eager to sign the 25-year-old.
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Football troublemakers play cat-and-mouse at London Stadium
Patterns of bad behaviour are settling into habits, allowing police to adapt their tactics
BYGILES BROADBENT
10:06, 6 DEC 2016UPDATED10:06, 6 DEC 2016
wharf.co.uk
A determined minority of trouble-makers are giving the London Stadium a very public stress-test, finding weaknesses on match day that were never there in theory. A cat-and-mouse game is going on, with supporters intent on causing a disturbance probing vulnerabilities with police changing their tactics in response. That is the conclusion of those responsible for West Ham match-day security, including the police, the stadium operator, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the club itself. They are now suggesting that the Stoke game was a turning point which saw a "maturing" of plans when trouble-makers and security staff reached an equilibrium that saw an end to the kinds of embarrassing scenes that marred the Chelsea match.
The London Assembly, which is examining the issue, was told that the hardcore minority were creatures of habit – and they were in the process of exploring and settling into "new norms". Commander BJ Harrington, who oversees football policing in the capital, said:"We are learning those challenges and we are learning to adapt our tactics – for example, which pubs certain supporters are beginning to use – which allows us to put control around those pubs. "When those norms of behaviour have been set out by the fans we can understand how to react to those threats and prevent those issues. They are learning so we are learning."
London Legacy Development Corporation chief executive David Goldstone said the club was 11 matches into a 99 year relationship while West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We all accept that they were teething problems, which there always are when you move to a new stadium. "We have learnt from some of the issues, we have implemented strong and decisive action and we are adamant that we want to eradicate it. "
She pointed out there had been 18 arrests in 11 games. "We're coming to the half way point at the season Arsenal had 60 arrests for the whole season last year and Manchester Utd had 57 arrests." The London Stadium also presented "unique" challenges in the capital because of its openness and accessibility inside and out, said Cmdr Harrington. He said: "The Olympic Park is a wide open expanse – most stadia in London have natural segregation by streets, by furniture, by cars – here you have multiple points of entry and in policing terms very difficult to segregate."
Chief executive officer of operator London Stadium 185 Linda Lennon said: "It's easier for people to get round the stadium so one of the things we've started to introduce is much more hard checking of tickets. "The actual segregated areas have been extended, we've created a sterile area so supporters can't throw things down on other supporters and we've created a dedicated segregation route outside of the stadium."
The chief operating officer of Westfield Stratford City Peter Miller said retailers had noticed a drop in sales on match days but there was no evidence shoppers were being deterred. Asked whether the London Stadium simply wasn't suitable for football, Karren Brady said: "The stadium has been designated a Uefa Category Four status, the highest possible, which means that it can, for example, host a Champion's League Final so it is absolutely suitable."
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West Brom and West Ham both keen on Ryad Boudebouz after seven goals in 15 games
HITC
Olly Dawes
Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United are reportedly keen on Montpellier playmaker Ryad Boudebouz. According to Algerian newspaper Le Buteur, Montpellier playmaker Ryad Boudebouz is a target for Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United. Boudebouz, 26, was billed as a top young talent in French football during his time with Sochaux, but left for Bastia in 2013, where eight goals in 66 games earned him a move to Montpellier in 2015. The attacking midfielder grabbed an impressive 11 assists and two goals in his first season with Montpellier, but his goalscoring exploits this season have seen him make headlines in Ligue 1.
Boudebouz has struck seven goals and two assists in just 15 appearances this season, making him one of the most impressive players in French football this season – and his performances haven't gone unnoticed. Algerian newspaper Le Buteur report that three Premier League clubs – Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United – are all interested in signing Boudebouz, and watched him score once in Montpellier's 3-0 thumping of Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. The Algerian international, who has 24 caps for his country to his name, will certainly be familiar to Southampton boss Claude Puel, as he managed against Boudebouz during his spells in charge of Lyon and Nice. Southampton do have attacking midfielders at the club already with the likes of Sofiane Boufal and Dusan Tadic, but Boudebouz can also play out wide, and could be seen as another versatile attacking option for the Saints. West Brom are looking for more creative players having seen Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips thrive this season, and a skilful, tricky playmaker like Boudebouz could fit the bill for the Baggies, who are expected to spend in January. A move to West Ham would be a major surprise though, as manager Slaven Bilic has an abundance of attacking midfielders at his disposal already. Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew, Gokhan Tore and Boudebouz's international team-mate Sofiane Feghouli. Marseille are also believed to be keen on Boudebouz, meaning we could see a real fight for the playmaker's signature next month after such an impressive start to the season.
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West Ham paired with rivals Millwall in FA Cup third-round draw rehearsal
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham may have drawn a tricky FA Cup third-round opponent in the form of Manchester City on Monday evening, but it has emerged that the club had earlier been drawn to face their arch-rivals Millwall in the rehearsal. Premier League and Championship sides entered the FA Cup third-round draw, which was made by Steven Gerrard and Ian Wright at the BT Tower on Monday evening, after a host of clubs - including Millwall - booked their place in the draw by winning their second-round ties over the weekend. Millwall came from behind to beat Braintree Town 5-2 on Sunday, and ensure they entered the FA Cup draw a day later. The League One club, who currently sit in ninth place in the standings, went on to draw Premier League side Bournemouth in the third round - but it could have been very different. BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey, who oversaw the draw, revealed that Millwall were in fact drawn to play their fierce rivals West Ham in the third-round rehearsal just hours before the actual one was conducted. Millwall and West Ham share a long and fierce rivalry - with the two teams' League Cup meeting at Upton Park in 2009 producing terrible scenes of violence both inside and outside the stadium. The game, which ended 3-1 to West Ham after extra time, saw fans invade the Boleyn Ground pitch and riot police guide fans towards the tube station while one man was stabbed in the chest following fighting between rival sets of supporters. West Ham will face Manchester City at the London Stadium in the third-round of the FA Cup, which is due to be played across the weekend of 6 to 9 January 2017, while Millwall will host Bournemouth.
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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan backs Slaven Bilic - 'We all need to stick together'
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
David Sullivan says West Ham cannot forget the "amazing job" under-fire manager? Slaven Bilic did last season, despite an underwhelming start to the current campaign. Bilic led the Hammers to seventh place in the Premier League table last term and the club was engulfed by a wave of optimism ahead of their move into the London Stadium. But the mood among supporters has quickly changed and West Ham are languishing just one point above the relegation zone following Saturday's chastening 5-1 defeat to Arsenal.
The team's disappointing form has seen pressure build on Bilic's position and Sullivan, who held talks with his manager yesterday, has urged the club to stay united as they attempt to climb away from trouble. "Slaven cares passionately about the football club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone," Sullivan told West Ham official's website. "I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around. "We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season at the club. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four. "His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven. "Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. "We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together," Sullivan insisted. West Ham face Liverpool, Burnley and Hull City in the build up to Christmas and need to put more points on the board ahead of a busy festive period.
While Sullivan believes Bilic's side need to "show a lot more" if they are to returning to winning ways he is adamant a mounting injury list has played a key role in the team's problems. "You cannot hide away from the fact that we were missing a number of influential players through injury for the Arsenal game, including both our first choice wing-backs. "Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are key members of our team and are players who make a big difference to the way we play. "Just when we thought the injury situation is clearing up, we then lost Diafra Sakho for another six weeks and Cheikhou Kouyate damaged his hamstring," Sullivan added.
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West Ham must go big for Celtic star if ambitious bid for Sturridge fails
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are in desperate need of extra firepower and should raid Celtic if a move for Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge fails.
The Hammers are languishing in 17th place in the Premier League, one point off the bottom three as their disastrous second season under Slaven Bilic unravels with each passing week. Knocked out of Europe by Romanian minnows FC Astra, eight defeats from 13 games and the second worst defence in the league tells its own story. But West Ham's profligacy is as much to blame with Diafra Sakho the only Hammers striker to have scored a single goal this season, 20 competitive games in. Sakho and fellow African Hammers striker Andre Ayew both look likely to be away for the African Nations in January further exacerbating the situation. Bilic has been linked with a move for Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge to try and solve that problem, as reported by the likes of The Express.
But Jurgen Klopp last week insisted none of his squad was up for sale in January despite Sturridge slipping down the pecking order at Anfield. Should that move fail to materialise, the East Londoners should waste no time raiding Scottish champions Celtic for former Fulham striker Moussa Dembele. The 20-year-old Frenchman has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances for the Hoops since signing from Fulham in the summer. And the Paris Saint Germain academy product has the attributes West Ham need to start scoring the goals that will help them climb the league. His pace and movement would give fellow Frenchman Dimitri Payet an outlet and he could also work well alongside fit again Andy Carroll.
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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan hands backing to under-fire Slaven Bilic - "In hard times families pull together"
The Hammers have fallen to 17th in the Premier League, having won just three of their 14 matches so far this term
BYALEX RICHARDS
08:35, 6 DEC 2016UPDATED08:35, 6 DEC 2016
The Mirror
West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has handed his backing to under-fire manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers were beaten 5-1 at the London Stadium by Arsenal on Saturday, disintegrating in the second period as Arsene Wenger's men scored four times in the second 45'. Bilic was highly critical of his side after the game, hitting out at his players' lack of intensity on the training field.
Having led the side to a seventh place finish in his debut campaign last term, Bilic's side have won just three games so far this term, and currently lie 17th in the table, one point above the drop zone. However Sullivan, who held talks with Bilic on Monday, has urged the club to stay united, and says that the "amazing job" Bilic did last season cannot be forgotten. "We are refusing to make excuses though and the players will know that the performance was not good enough and we need to show a lot more if we are to get back on the winning trail. "I saw Slaven's comments after the game and as always he was completely honest with his assessment. Slaven cares passionately about the Football Club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone. "I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around. "We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season at the Club. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four. "His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven in the summer of 2015. "Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. "We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together."
West Ham head to Liverpool on Sunday, looking to end a run of six games without a win.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic makes decision following Rio Ferdinand's offer to return as coach
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United have struggled this season, prompting their former defender to offer to return in a coaching capacity. A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Slaven Bilic has rejected Rio Ferdinand's offer to return to West Ham to work with the defence following their terrible start to the season. Ferdinand recently stated that he would like to help his first professional club after watching them fall to another heavy defeat at the weekend, and the Mirror reports that the Hammers hierarchy were keen for the move to happen.
However, the Mirror now adds that Bilic - who played alongside Ferdinand during their time together with the Irons - has insisted that he is happy with the backroom team he currently has at his disposal, and thus, does not intend to bring the 38-year-old in, despite the growing pressure on his shoulders.
While the presence of Bilic and current West Ham coach Julian Dicks suggests that the club do have enough knowledge to help the back-line, it is clear that things need to change at the London Stadium if the Hammers do not want to be dragged into a relegation battle.
Currently, the Irons are one place and one point above the bottom three following their 5-1 defeat at home to Arsenal at the weekend. And while they have hardly been prolific in front of goal, the slightly more alarming statistic is the fact that only bottom side Swansea City have conceded more league goals this term. Therefore, it is somewhat understandable if the board decided that a person with Ferdinand's experience coming in would be a good addition, but Bilic appears to be confident about the current backroom team's chances of turning the club's fortunes around.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Jack one at West Ham United has been deeply saddened by the passing of brave young Hammer Jack Howard. The 12-year-old succumbed to kidney cancer after a courageous fight boosted by the support of thousands of fellow West Ham fans from all over the world. After supporters and well-wishers raised more than £250,000, Jack travelled to California for pioneering treatment in September, having received a Facetime message from his heroes Dimitri Payet and Sam Byram. Sadly, Jack did not recover from his illness and he returned home last month after it became clear the treatment had not worked. Speaking on behalf of the squad, Payet and Byram paid tribute to him. "It's hugely saddening to hear about Jack's passing," said Byram. "His energy, positivity and strength were inspiring. "You could tell how passionate he was, so it's very hard news to take. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time." "I really enjoyed our conversation with Jack a few weeks ago, so it's very sad news," echoed Payet. "I'd like to say thank you to everyone who helped treat him and wish his family well."
Jack's aunt, Keely Howard, who led the campaign to raise funds for his treatment, spoke on behalf of his parents Nick and Zoe in paying tribute to the valiant schoolboy. "It's been overwhelming and we're really grateful for all the help and support, and Jack was grateful," she said. "As parents they did everything that they could, but unfortunately he slipped away. "He was with his Mum and Dad in bed when it happened and is now in peace with his West Ham shirt on. "The family are so grateful. They never thought they'd get that support and they're grateful that they had the opportunity to go to the States and give that treatment a go."
Jack, who loved nothing more than cheering his Claret and Blue heroes on from the stand, had previously undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy in 2013. He also had a kidney removed before going into remission in February 2014, but the cancer returned in December last year. Six months later, doctors thought he only had weeks to live. The Club became aware of the fundraising drive, with Payet and Byram cheering Jack with an unexpected call. Joint-Chairman David Sullivan donated £5,000 towards his treatment, while a West Ham-themed non-uniform day at his school, Gravesend Grammar. You could tell how passionate Jack was, so it's very hard news to take. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time
At the Premier League visit of Southampton to London Stadium, fans of both clubs dropped thousands of pounds into collection buckets outside the ground. Tragically, Jack took a dangerous turn just a fortnight before flying to Los Angeles, with UK doctors again unsure if he had days or weeks to live. Jack underwent a strenuous course of treatment in hospital, where he received messages of support from The Rolling Stones and LA Galaxy defender AJ Delagarza, but the brave young Hammer passed away at the weekend. The thoughts of everyone associated with West Ham United are with Jack's loved ones at this sad time.
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Masuaku ready for a big change against Liverpool
WHUFC.com
Arthur Masuaku is confident he will soon be able to re-produce his best form and has no doubts his team-mates will have a big point to prove when they face Liverpool on Sunday. Masuaku has only just returned from a two-month injury absence after he suffered knee ligament damage during the EFL Cup game against Accrington Stanley back in September. The French defender appeared as a substitute during the EFL quarter-final tie against Manchester United last week after Aaron Cresswell injured his groin and was named in the starting line-up for the home defeat against Arsenal on Saturday. Masuaku says it will take him a bit of time to regain full match sharpness but is working hard every day to put things right and hopes to enjoy more success on the pitch when the Hammers travel to Anfield on Sunday. The 23-year-old admits the players were bitterly disappointed with the outcome against Arsenal and says they are determined to put things right and help turn their season around. Masuaku said: "I'm continuing to work hard in training and show my energy. "This is one of my first spells where I have been out of the team for this long, so I am just doing what I can to return to action. "The defeat against Arsenal on Saturday was not easy and it was a big defeat for us to handle. "Since the beginning of the season we have been enduring a difficult spell but we simply need to keep working hard to change things. "We cannot use the change in system as an excuse for the result as we have played with both a back four and a back five. We simply need to show better concentration."
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Manchester United ballot now open
WHUFC.com
The Claret Members' ticket ballot for West Ham United's Premier League fixture with Manchester United at London Stadium on Monday 2 January 2017 is now open.
Claret Members who joined prior to this ballot opening can enter the ballot to secure tickets for the visit of the Red Devils between that date and the closing date of 9pm on Monday 19 December.
To enter, Claret Members are required to login to their Ticketmaster account here, select the fixture and add to basket. Applicants should ensure that correct bank details are provided sufficient funds are available when the ballot is processed on Monday 19 December.
Fans wishing to apply with other Claret Members should include all client reference numbers in the one transaction, and, if successful, will be seated together.
Supporters entering the ballot have the option of selecting up to a maximum of two price points. If you are happy to accept any price band, and thereby increasing the likelihood of being successful, kindly select your preferred area of the Stadium and leave the second option blank.
The ballot closes at 9am on Monday 19 December and successful supporters will be notified via email that day.
The window for Bondholders to select their own seats is also open and closes at 9am on Saturday 17 December.
Accessibility tickets are available in all areas for this fixture.
Disabled supporters can apply in the ballot by calling our Accessibility line on 0333 030 0174, visiting the Ticket Office at the London Stadium which is open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays or by emailing accessiblity@westhamunited.co.uk
Hospitality packages for this fixture are available to buy now. For further information and to purchase, email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk or call 020 8114 2442.
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Burnley priority window now open!
WHUFC.com
Burnley priority window now open to Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and Waiting List members
Hammers host the Clarets at London Stadium on Wednesday 14 December at 7.45pm
Tickets start from £12.50 for Kids and £25 for Adults
West Ham United are pleased to offer supporters on our Season Ticket Waiting List a priority window to purchase tickets for the Premier League home match against Burnley on Wednesday 14 December at 7.45pm. Following the completion of the Members' ticket ballot, a number of extra tickets came back late from the unsold away allocation, which the Club made available due to the extraordinary demand to see fixtures at London Stadium. To reward the loyalty and patience of supporters who joined the Season Ticket Waiting List, we are now offering them a priority window to purchase these remaining tickets.
Buy Burnley tickets now
This is the first time the Club has been able to deliver this benefit to those on the Waiting List, as every other fixture - including the visit of Burnley before these tickets were returned - has sold out to the Members' ballot. The tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis and are set to sell quickly due to high demand, so hurry to avoid disappointment.
Tickets start from £12.50 for Kids and £25 for Adults.
You can book these tickets online, by clicking here, by telephone on 0333 030 1966, or by visiting the Ticket Office in person.
Although opportunities like this are limited due to the demand for match tickets at London Stadium, going forward we hope there will be further opportunities to offer priority to supporters on the Waiting List and enable our wider fan base to attend matches.
*These tickets are currently available to Season Ticket Holders, Claret Members and supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List. The priority window for all groups ends at 9am on Thursday 8 December.
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EXWHUEMPLOYEE EXCLUSIVE: OXFORD TO FINALLY SIGN A NEW DEAL!
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 6 DECEMBER 2016 AT 11:01AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
We have received some positive news at last, highly rated youngster Reece Oxford should sign a new deal by the weekend. Talks have been going on for a while and we were the first to also report that we had beaten off competition from Manchester United and Manchester City for the academy product a few weeks ago. Reece turns 18 on the 16th December when a longer term deal can be concluded. The terms are expected to be a wage of £20k a week plus performance related bonuses and clauses. Reece is currently out with an injury but he is expected to return to training in the next few weeks to give some options to a leaking defence.
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Boardroom backs Bilic
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Co-chairman David Sullivan has give Slaven Bilic the dreaded 'vote of confidence' following Saturday's humiliating defeat at the hands of neighbours Arsenal.
Bilic's side conceded four goals in the space of 14 second half minutes as not for the first time this season, they ran out of ideas and energy as the game entered its final phase.
Yet despite the embarrassing result - which followed a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United and defeat at Tottenham, despite leading 2-1 after 88 minutes - Sullivan insists the under-pressure Croat has his full backing.
"Slaven cares passionately about the football Club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone," he told the club's website. "I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around.
"We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four. His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven in the summer of 2015.
"Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together."
Yet partly mitigating the team's dreadful opening half of the campaign was the sheer number of injuries that have been sustained since the summer, added Sullivan.
"You cannot hide away from the fact that we were missing a number of influential players through injury for the Arsenal game, including both our first choice wing-backs," he added.
"Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are key members of our team and are players who make a big difference to the way we play.
"Just when we thought the injury situation is clearing up, we then lost Diafra Sakho for another six weeks and Cheikhou Kouyate damaged his hamstring the night before the Arsenal game.
"To make matters worse, James Collins then had to leave the field after just seven minutes and all the planning that Slaven and his backroom staff had prepared for the game had gone out the window."
"Hopefully we will see a few of these players back in action next week and the team will show a vast improvement as we prepare for a massive week with big games against Liverpool, Burnley and Hull."
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SLAVEN BILIC – DEAD MAN WALKING?
BY EXWHUEMPLOYEE ON 5 DECEMBER 2016 AT 9:31PM
TehWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by @lee_wilko_12
This article from myself will cover my views on the current situation at the club regarding the board, Slaven Bilic and everything in between.
Another week passes and another West Ham defeat (well two this week actually). A midweek cup defeat at the hands of Manchester United and a Saturday evening mauling by Arsenal. It is turning into a regular feeling for me this season, every time we play I get my hopes up and pray we get the three points and we see a great performance and then after it all I am left disappointed and deflated. After Saturday's performance I saw West Ham Twitter go into overdrive, from abuse for the players, board and Bilic himself. Every account I follow had things to say regarding the situation and I saw a lot of very valid points, as well as a few stupid comments, which is normal.
I think it is safe to say this season has been an unmitigated disaster, from an early Europe exit and a summer of signings we all wished didn't happen, to what seems now like a relegation battle. As I mentioned in my previous column, I thought summer was tragic and we failed in every way to bring in not only the right type of players, but for the right positions. After the season we had in 2015/2016, we needed the type of quality to get us further into Europe and a good league finish, it was our best chance in a long time to sign some real quality players. The season before we played some great stuff and looked like a team on the up and could push even higher up the table the following season. A brand new stadium, Europe, a manager who was getting the results we had been begging for and a team that played so well together, worked tirelessly for each other and with passion and desire. The majority of Hammers fan went into the Summer window praying for a new right back, at least two forwards, a winger or two and a midfielder for some strength in depth. What we got was a joke to say the least, two cheap owners who refused to open their chequebooks, but instead decided to use their "cunning" to try and get players on free deals and loan deals. That was the first of many bad things to come in a season that has been horrible thus far and I wish was already over. Yet again we get knocked out of Europe in the qualifiers, so straight away people were not happy with the club, going out once to a team of essentially part-timers is in some form okay and could be seen as a fluke on their part, but for it to happen a year later to the same team is shocking.
Fast forward and a few games into the season and it isn't looking good, we haven't had a good start with results, the stadium is not liked by the fans, crowd trouble in every game and fans starting to turn on the board. In regards to the stadium, I know it is not Upton Park and it never will be, but the atmosphere definitely can be the same, the League Cup game against Chelsea was great, the noise levels and energy from the fans was electric. That is exactly how it should be and if were winning week in week out the stadium would start to feel more like home and teams would start to fear going there. At the moment with the way things are teams aren't afraid to come here, it isn't intimidating in the slightest, we sure as hell make noise when it is going right, but when it is going wrong it is silent. I do feel all in all the stadium will eventually be loved by the fans, but right now it isn't. I don't think the stadium was ready for us to move in and use as a home ground at all. There are so many problems with it, from seating to stewards and the fact we sell popcorn, which I find embarrassing beyond belief. If these issues get sorted, I can see it eventually becoming our new home, but right now it is far from that. It feels like the equivalent of moving from a lovely house you've owned for years, to renting a crappy one-bedroom flat. I feel like the seating needs to be sorted ASAP, get family sections and get a safe standing area, look at Celtic and their safe standing section, it is phenomenal, the noise is deafening and the energy of that stadium is something else, it is always bouncing. In regards to the stewards it really does feel like they are really out to catch the fans out, winding our fans up, ejecting them from the stadium and putting their names forward to get them banned is pathetic. We need to hire some real stewards who can do their jobs and can make the stadium a safe place to be in and can control any trouble if it does kick off, because right now if Millwall came to our ground for a game it would be absolute chaos, none of them would have a single clue what to do. Get the stewarding and seating sorted and you'll have the fans feeling happier and get the stadium feeling like home.
The fans are what make this club what it is, without us this club would be nothing. The passion you see from the West Ham fans every week is insane, when goals go in there are limbs flying everywhere and when we lose you better believe it hurts us just as much as the players. I feel like the board didn't think a great deal about how much the move would affect the fans, you think about the fans that have been visiting Upton Park since they were little kids and are now fully grown adults, they go from this place they call home, to a giant empty soulless bowl of a stadium which was built for The Olympics, not football.
Onto Slaven Bilic, I love this man, he is passionate and you can tell he cares very deeply for this club and his job. I think he is taking a hell of a lot of stick for the results this season, which can be understood, but at the same time he can only do so much. What are you supposed to do when your players cannot even do the simplest things correctly? I am pretty sure we are top for errors leading to goals, we cannot score goals, we cannot defend, we can barely string passes together, let alone win a game convincingly. I think I am going to get a lot of stick for this, but I don't want him sacked. I think he is the man to lead us forward, he is a huge step up from Sam Allardyce, who would get a 1-0 lead and then defend for the rest of the game. I do agree the post-match interview comments were very strange, such odd comments to make, saying we can't even get any intensity in training let alone games. If Bilic has lost the dressing room then I think his days will be numbered, just look at Jose Mourinho at Chelsea last season, one of the most decorated managers in football, he lost the confidence of the players and that was it for him. Last season I saw us play some of the best football I have ever seen at West Ham, we outplayed the big teams in almost every game with them. Injuries as always are a massive thing at the club and for the life of me I don't know why. It feels like we are the only club in the league that always has multiple first team players injured. Have we even had a fully fit squad at all this season? Every single week without fail there is someone new getting injured. I think the blame lies with the players for the results this season, the team seems so disjointed and they are acting like they haven't played together before. We are struggling to do anything right at the moment and we have three huge games coming up after Liverpool, which will be crucial to our season. If we can get a couple of wins back to back, it could really turn our season around, but it just feels like right now that isn't going to happen.
Now onto the reason I think we are in this mess, David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady. I now believe a strong majority of West Ham fans have had enough of them and want them gone, I know they don't control the results but they are accountable for the Summer Window and these "promises" we were sold for the new stadium. I could sit here for hours writing every single thing these people have done wrong for and to our club, but I am not going to do that. However, there are so many off the top of my head, starting with the summer transfer window, we were told a bunch of lies about how we were going to splash the cash and buy big and get a £30 million striker, which never happened. Sullivan coming out and spouting his mouth off about this in the first place was stupid enough, as clubs knew we would spend big and push the price up. Offering Carlos Tevez £150k a week wages and making it public knowledge, if I am a player and West Ham come bidding for me, then I know they have offered big wages and I will want high wages, as they are clearly willing to pay them. I don't know who has the final say on transfers, but it always seems Sullivan signs players he wants, I always have and always will believe the manager should decide, as he is the one in charge of the team and knows what he needs. Some of the signings made during the Gold/Sullivan era have been laughable, Modibo Maiga, Nikica Jelavic, Marouane Chamakh and John Carew to name a few. Lies upon lies regarding the new stadium, we were promised so much and we have been given so little. The stadium West Ham fans were sold and the one we got are two completely different things. It is even the stupid little things such as changing the badge after David Gold said they were never going to do it. Karren Brady's comments about no arrests being the real winner was embarrassing and she really should keep her opinions to herself.
In my eyes, I think it is time the board left or found some investment, as I feel and know a lot of other fans feel like this club isn't West Ham anymore. We are not a football club anymore, we are a brand, we are not fans, we are customers. It really feels like now it is all about the money we are making. We have been sold a bunch of lies for the past couple of years and if all three of them left, you wouldn't see me shed a tear. I am not saying get some rich Arab investors so we can hope to be the new Manchester City, because I don't want that. They aren't a football club in my eyes, they are filled with plastic fans and they can't even fill their stadium up every week, which is pathetic. I just want the old West Ham back, the family club, didn't matter if we won or lost, the fans laughed and had a good time, we weren't a brand we were a football club that you loved with all your heart and cheered on for 90 minutes every week. We are starting to lose our identity and I have even seen some fans that don't care anymore. The board have screwed us over this season with their stupid penny pinching in the summer window and it has cost us. We are in a relegation battle and we need to start picking up points fast and get ourselves up the table.
COYI
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Banned fan reinstated
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
The season ticket holder who was banned from the Olympic Stadium for displaying a flag calling for the removal of vice-chair Karren Brady has been told that he is welcome to return to the venue. Following KUMB's story yesterday, the fan in question was contacted by the club and told that the ban - which had been instigated at the behest of stadium operators LS185 and the Met Police - had been lifted.
A friend of the banned fan told KUMB: "West Ham contacted him and said his case was being dealt with and to expect a decision either way by the evening. "They called back and said the ban was from the stadium owners, LS185, not from the club. The Police and LS185 decided on the ban and were unsure when it would be lifted. "However he is now allowed back with immediate effect."
The flag displayed outside the ground before it was confiscated and the owner banned The fan in question has also been invited to a meeting with West Ham United's current Managing Director, Angus Kinnear, to discuss his concerns.
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Goodnight, little Jack
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th December 2016
By: Staff Writer
Young West Ham supporter Jack Howard, who had been receiving treatment for cancer in the US, has passed away. The 12-year-old's family confirmed the sad news via Twitter this morning, bringing to an end Jack's four-year battle against the disease. Jack, who was visited by West Ham players such as Dimi Payet and Aaron Cresswell during his latest stay in hospital was suffering from a Wilms tumor, a kidney-related cancer that is mostly found in children. Kind-hearted friends and West Ham fans had pitched in to raise the funds necessary to send Jack to the States in order to undergo pioneering treatment back in September. The fund currently stands at an astonishing £177,785. The thoughts of everyone at KUMB.com are with Jack's family at this difficult time.
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London Stadium could stage 2019 Cricket World Cup matches
BBC.co.uk
London Stadium will be considered as a venue for the 2019 World Cup, if it is found suitable for staging cricket. The England and Wales Cricket Board have been asked by the International Cricket Council to suggest high-capacity venues. The 60,000-seat capacity of the former Olympic Stadium is much larger than any cricket ground in the UK. But a feasibility test of the venue - including the size of the potential playing surface - is yet to take place. Only if that test were passed would London Stadium potentially be put forward as an addition to the 11 venues currently vying to host matches. Those grounds are Lord's, The Oval, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Old Trafford, Headingley, Cardiff, Southampton, Chester-le-Street, Taunton and Bristol. Of that list, Lord's has the highest capacity at around 30,000.
However, the ICC is keen to replicate the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which saw attendances in excess of 90,000 in Melbourne and games held at other large stadiums in Sydney, Adelaide and Auckland. Of those, Auckland's Eden Park, traditionally a rugby ground, has dimensions that left the straight boundaries incredibly short. London Stadium, which has been considered for T20 matches by county side Essex, would have to be able to accommodate a playing surface large enough to host international cricket. It would also need to be available, but with the tournament running from 30 May to 15 July, it is unlikely to encroach upon the needs of tenants West Ham United or affect the annual Anniversary Games athletics meeting.
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Wigan Athletic are set to lose Reece Burke as West Ham United want to recall him according to a report from the Essex Live.
The72.co.uk
The Hammers have currently got a serious problem in the right back area due to a number of injuries and poor performances. Their usual man in that spot Sam Byram, who as signed from Leeds United last season, is not close to a return after suffering a serious thigh injury while James Collins was recently consigned to the treatment table when he was forced off with an injury in the 5-1 loss to Arsenal.
West Ham do have Alvaro Arbeloa as a reserve right back and he was brought on after James Collins was injured, but he'd go on to have a complete horror show with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain simply tearing him apart in that position, which has made their head coach Slaven Bilic very reluctant to play him again.
And because of that Bilic has looked to Burke who has been on loan to Wigan for most of the season. The young defender has been a massive success for the Latics this season and even got his first goal of the season at the weekend in the match against Huddersfield Town. He is also coming off a brilliant season after he picked up a number of Player of the Season awards while on his loan spell with Bradford City.
And with Arbeloa lacking any sort of form and fitness, West Ham are set to recall him and end his spell at Wigan so they can sort out of their own defensive problems.
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Former West Ham forward Mauro Zarate eager to prove himself at Fiorentina despite difficult start
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Mauro Zarate has no regrets about leaving West Ham for Fiorentina. The striker left the Hammers for the Italian side back in January for a fee of around £1.6m. But since the move he has struggled to settle and he has played just 98 minutes of competitive football this season. It has sparked rumours Zarate could be on the move again, but his agent - Fabio Firmani - insists that is not the case.
"Zarate is absolutely not thinking about the transfer market," Firmani told FirenzeViola. "He feels great in Florence and he's very grateful to the city from a human point of view for the affection he received in a difficult time. "He'll always feel indebted to the Florentines, and now he's totally focused on the Viola shirt. His first desire is to do well with Fiorentina, if the club change their plans then they'll tell us. "As with all situations, they could change their mind in January but so far I haven't heard anything about that."
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West Ham co-chairman David Gold in fresh Twitter gaffe as Hammers fan dupes him with picture of TV star
A Hammers fan sent an innocent-looking tweet, asking Gold for a retweet in support of his Irons-supporting brother starting at a new school
BYJAMES WHALING
11:26, 6 DEC 2016UPDATED11:29, 6 DEC 2016
The Mirror
West Ham co-chairman David Gold is no stranger to a Twitter gaffe - and the former Birmingham chief has been duped once more. A Hammers fan sent an innocent-looking tweet, asking Gold for a retweet in support of his Irons-supporting brother starting at a new school. However, the tweet was accompanied by Inbetweeners character Will McKenzie, complete with trademark briefcase, stood next to his mother. The tweet read: "Evening @ davidgold how are you? My little brother has just started his new school, only West Ham fan! Any chance of an RT? # WestHamFamily."
Gold quoted the original, and added: "Good luck young man. dg."
The London Stadium supremo has previously hit the news for wishing Hammers defender Winston Reid a happy birthday, only to accompany the tweet with an image of Kyle Knoyle. This came after he infamously announced the signing of Pedro Obiang alongside a snap of Angelo Ogbonna, before going on to sign Ogbonna as well. West Ham United Chairman David Gold poses for photographers outside the Olympic stadium on March 24, 2015 Last November, Gold retweeted a picture of a missing person appeal, seemingly failing to recognise the man in the image was in fact Irons flier Michail Antonio.
Oh, David.
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Former Manchester City and Manchester United star Carlos Tevez poised to link up with Gus Poyet at Shanghai Shenhua
Carlos Tevez in action for Boca Juniors
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Shanghai Shenhua are closing in on a mega-money move for former Manchester City, Manchester United and West Ham star Carlos Tevez.
The striker is currently playing for his boyhood club Boca Juniors in Argentina but he now could be off to China. Shanghai Shenhua, who are coached by former Sunderland boss Gus Poyet, are in negotiations with the player over a deal worth around £600,000-a-week.
And Shanghai president Wu Xiaohui has revealed that talks have progressed well after weeks of discussions. "We have done a lot of work and it's safe to say that there has been a definite breakthrough in the negotiations," Wu told Shenhua News. "But for a variety of reasons, we have not nailed down the deal. Their club have problems that are still yet to be solved and I will spare you the details. "We will continue to put greater effort into this and strive to give our supporters a pleasant surprise as early as possible."
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West Ham consider loan moves for Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini and Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic
EXCLUSIVE
KEN DYER
Evening Standard
Relegation-threatened West Ham are pondering a loan move for Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini next month. The East London Premier League club are just one point and one place above the relegation zone and have conceded nine goals in their last two games.
Hammers manager Slaven Bilic feels the Belgium international could provide some much-needed physicality, either as a holding midfielder or to supplement a misfiring forward line. West Ham have badly missed the physical presence of the injury-prone Andy Carroll since the start of the season, although the striker did return as a sub last weekend in the 5-1 humbling by Arsenal — and scored. A move for Fellaini, 29, could suit both clubs. Manchester United fans have been far from convinced about the former Everton player, even more so after he came on in the second half against his former club at Goodison Park on Sunday and conceded a clumsy penalty that denied his team three points.
West Ham could also make a January loan move for Chelsea's reserve goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Adrian, West Ham's first-choice keeper, has had an indifferent season and was recently dropped by Bilic, with Republic of Ireland international Darren Randolph replacing him.
The 29-year-old former Stoke keeper is second choice behind Thibaut Courtois at Stamford Bridge and would welcome the chance of first-team football.
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Bromley's Blair Turgott shows his flair on the grand stage!
Posted on 6th December 2016 by Matt Badcock in England C, National League with 0 Comments
thenonleaguefootballpaper.com
THERE can't be many footballers who have their own profile on the online film bible Internet Movie Database – Blair Turgott does.
It reads: Blair Turgott is an actor, known for Green Street (2005). Now, anyone who has seen the flick in question will know Lord of the Rings star Elijah Wood is an American journalist turned West Ham hooligan.
So, what on earth is the Bromley and England C winger doing in it?
"It was crazy," says the former Hammer. "I don't even know how it came about. I was at West Ham and our manager came in and said there's a film our team had to be in.
"At the time we didn't know what it was about. We went to this school to film and Frodo came over! We basically played a game and they recorded it.
"We had another scene in a classroom. In the film they were drawn against Millwall in the cup and we had to cheer. It was rated 18 and I was only nine or ten, but I really wanted to watch it. A few of my goals were in there – it was alright.
"It was a great experience, but crazy. People have told me I'm down as an actor – maybe it could be something to look into after football!"
He's well used to mixing with the stars is young Blair. On his twitter account is a picture with football megastar Lionel Messi from when Argentina trained at West Ham ahead of a friendly with Croatia at Upton Park in 2014.
With the West Ham first team enjoying a week off on the international break, the youngsters were drafted in to train with Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and the main man himself.
"We didn't really touch the ball that much because it was all about them – it was shadow work, but it's one to tell the grandkids about," Turgott smiles.
But the main story he wants to tell his descendants is about his football career. Turgott made one appearance for West Ham – in the infamous 5-0 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest – with most of his first team action coming on loan.
He was at Bradford City for their incredible League Cup run where they beat Arsenal and Aston Villa on the way to the final at Wembley.
Knock-backs
Spells at Coventry City and, last season, at Leyton Orient followed before the 22-year-old dropped into Non-League with National League Bromley in the summer.
"There were League One and League Two teams I could have gone to on trial in the summer, but it was about getting security and going somewhere I can show what I'm about," he says, perched on the end of his bed in England C's Tallinn hotel.
"Hopefully it's taking one step back to go two steps forward. That's the aim. I've been on loan at clubs and I'm quite experienced for my age – I've played games. For me it's about getting a run of games. Bromley have given me that opportunity. Hopefully I can repay them with my performances."
Already his electric performances have caught the eye of England C boss Paul Fairclough, who immediately picked him from the contingency squad for the Estonia trip after drop outs.
It's not the first time he's pulled on the Three Lions. As a youngster he represented his country through the age groups from U16s up to U19s alongside Raheem Sterling, Nathaniel Chalobah and Jordan Pickford.
He went to the U17 World Cup in Mexico and scored for the U19s in the same stadium England C beat Estonia U23s 2-1. His latest call of international duty, alongside other players who have slipped down the leagues, can give him the confidence to rise again.
"The gaffer said a lot of us have had knock-backs," he says. "We're all here for different reasons. But the common factor is we've all played at a decent level. So we all know where we want to be.
"Everyone's journey is different. A lot of the boys have been released, had injuries and setbacks for different reasons. For me it's about trusting the journey.
"You've got to stay strong mentally and just have confidence in yourself to make it."
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Valencia open talks with Zaza
By Football Espana staff
Valencia have opened talks with Italian striker Simone Zaza - currently on loan at West Ham United from Juventus - according to reports in Spain. The Hammers loaned the Italian international from Juve in August for an initial €5m but a clause exists in his contract that if he plays 14 games for the London club, they must sign him on a permanent deal for €21m - a clause he is three matches away from triggering. However, Zaza has not been selected for either of the past two matches and a report in AS suggests they are unwilling to select him further to ensure the clause is not triggered and allow a January move elsewhere. The report goes on to say that Valencia have made contact with the former Sassuolo striker who 'did not say "no"' and a move in January would be favoured by Los Che who are keen to bolster their attacking options, with former Azzuri boss Cesare Prandelli eager to sign the 25-year-old.
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Football troublemakers play cat-and-mouse at London Stadium
Patterns of bad behaviour are settling into habits, allowing police to adapt their tactics
BYGILES BROADBENT
10:06, 6 DEC 2016UPDATED10:06, 6 DEC 2016
wharf.co.uk
A determined minority of trouble-makers are giving the London Stadium a very public stress-test, finding weaknesses on match day that were never there in theory. A cat-and-mouse game is going on, with supporters intent on causing a disturbance probing vulnerabilities with police changing their tactics in response. That is the conclusion of those responsible for West Ham match-day security, including the police, the stadium operator, the London Legacy Development Corporation and the club itself. They are now suggesting that the Stoke game was a turning point which saw a "maturing" of plans when trouble-makers and security staff reached an equilibrium that saw an end to the kinds of embarrassing scenes that marred the Chelsea match.
The London Assembly, which is examining the issue, was told that the hardcore minority were creatures of habit – and they were in the process of exploring and settling into "new norms". Commander BJ Harrington, who oversees football policing in the capital, said:"We are learning those challenges and we are learning to adapt our tactics – for example, which pubs certain supporters are beginning to use – which allows us to put control around those pubs. "When those norms of behaviour have been set out by the fans we can understand how to react to those threats and prevent those issues. They are learning so we are learning."
London Legacy Development Corporation chief executive David Goldstone said the club was 11 matches into a 99 year relationship while West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said: "We all accept that they were teething problems, which there always are when you move to a new stadium. "We have learnt from some of the issues, we have implemented strong and decisive action and we are adamant that we want to eradicate it. "
She pointed out there had been 18 arrests in 11 games. "We're coming to the half way point at the season Arsenal had 60 arrests for the whole season last year and Manchester Utd had 57 arrests." The London Stadium also presented "unique" challenges in the capital because of its openness and accessibility inside and out, said Cmdr Harrington. He said: "The Olympic Park is a wide open expanse – most stadia in London have natural segregation by streets, by furniture, by cars – here you have multiple points of entry and in policing terms very difficult to segregate."
Chief executive officer of operator London Stadium 185 Linda Lennon said: "It's easier for people to get round the stadium so one of the things we've started to introduce is much more hard checking of tickets. "The actual segregated areas have been extended, we've created a sterile area so supporters can't throw things down on other supporters and we've created a dedicated segregation route outside of the stadium."
The chief operating officer of Westfield Stratford City Peter Miller said retailers had noticed a drop in sales on match days but there was no evidence shoppers were being deterred. Asked whether the London Stadium simply wasn't suitable for football, Karren Brady said: "The stadium has been designated a Uefa Category Four status, the highest possible, which means that it can, for example, host a Champion's League Final so it is absolutely suitable."
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West Brom and West Ham both keen on Ryad Boudebouz after seven goals in 15 games
HITC
Olly Dawes
Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United are reportedly keen on Montpellier playmaker Ryad Boudebouz. According to Algerian newspaper Le Buteur, Montpellier playmaker Ryad Boudebouz is a target for Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United. Boudebouz, 26, was billed as a top young talent in French football during his time with Sochaux, but left for Bastia in 2013, where eight goals in 66 games earned him a move to Montpellier in 2015. The attacking midfielder grabbed an impressive 11 assists and two goals in his first season with Montpellier, but his goalscoring exploits this season have seen him make headlines in Ligue 1.
Boudebouz has struck seven goals and two assists in just 15 appearances this season, making him one of the most impressive players in French football this season – and his performances haven't gone unnoticed. Algerian newspaper Le Buteur report that three Premier League clubs – Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and West Ham United – are all interested in signing Boudebouz, and watched him score once in Montpellier's 3-0 thumping of Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. The Algerian international, who has 24 caps for his country to his name, will certainly be familiar to Southampton boss Claude Puel, as he managed against Boudebouz during his spells in charge of Lyon and Nice. Southampton do have attacking midfielders at the club already with the likes of Sofiane Boufal and Dusan Tadic, but Boudebouz can also play out wide, and could be seen as another versatile attacking option for the Saints. West Brom are looking for more creative players having seen Nacer Chadli and Matt Phillips thrive this season, and a skilful, tricky playmaker like Boudebouz could fit the bill for the Baggies, who are expected to spend in January. A move to West Ham would be a major surprise though, as manager Slaven Bilic has an abundance of attacking midfielders at his disposal already. Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Michail Antonio, Andre Ayew, Gokhan Tore and Boudebouz's international team-mate Sofiane Feghouli. Marseille are also believed to be keen on Boudebouz, meaning we could see a real fight for the playmaker's signature next month after such an impressive start to the season.
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West Ham paired with rivals Millwall in FA Cup third-round draw rehearsal
VAISHALI BHARDWAJ
Evening Standard
West Ham may have drawn a tricky FA Cup third-round opponent in the form of Manchester City on Monday evening, but it has emerged that the club had earlier been drawn to face their arch-rivals Millwall in the rehearsal. Premier League and Championship sides entered the FA Cup third-round draw, which was made by Steven Gerrard and Ian Wright at the BT Tower on Monday evening, after a host of clubs - including Millwall - booked their place in the draw by winning their second-round ties over the weekend. Millwall came from behind to beat Braintree Town 5-2 on Sunday, and ensure they entered the FA Cup draw a day later. The League One club, who currently sit in ninth place in the standings, went on to draw Premier League side Bournemouth in the third round - but it could have been very different. BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey, who oversaw the draw, revealed that Millwall were in fact drawn to play their fierce rivals West Ham in the third-round rehearsal just hours before the actual one was conducted. Millwall and West Ham share a long and fierce rivalry - with the two teams' League Cup meeting at Upton Park in 2009 producing terrible scenes of violence both inside and outside the stadium. The game, which ended 3-1 to West Ham after extra time, saw fans invade the Boleyn Ground pitch and riot police guide fans towards the tube station while one man was stabbed in the chest following fighting between rival sets of supporters. West Ham will face Manchester City at the London Stadium in the third-round of the FA Cup, which is due to be played across the weekend of 6 to 9 January 2017, while Millwall will host Bournemouth.
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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan backs Slaven Bilic - 'We all need to stick together'
SAM LONG
Evening Standard
David Sullivan says West Ham cannot forget the "amazing job" under-fire manager? Slaven Bilic did last season, despite an underwhelming start to the current campaign. Bilic led the Hammers to seventh place in the Premier League table last term and the club was engulfed by a wave of optimism ahead of their move into the London Stadium. But the mood among supporters has quickly changed and West Ham are languishing just one point above the relegation zone following Saturday's chastening 5-1 defeat to Arsenal.
The team's disappointing form has seen pressure build on Bilic's position and Sullivan, who held talks with his manager yesterday, has urged the club to stay united as they attempt to climb away from trouble. "Slaven cares passionately about the football club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone," Sullivan told West Ham official's website. "I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around. "We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season at the club. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four. "His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven. "Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. "We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together," Sullivan insisted. West Ham face Liverpool, Burnley and Hull City in the build up to Christmas and need to put more points on the board ahead of a busy festive period.
While Sullivan believes Bilic's side need to "show a lot more" if they are to returning to winning ways he is adamant a mounting injury list has played a key role in the team's problems. "You cannot hide away from the fact that we were missing a number of influential players through injury for the Arsenal game, including both our first choice wing-backs. "Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are key members of our team and are players who make a big difference to the way we play. "Just when we thought the injury situation is clearing up, we then lost Diafra Sakho for another six weeks and Cheikhou Kouyate damaged his hamstring," Sullivan added.
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West Ham must go big for Celtic star if ambitious bid for Sturridge fails
HITC
Damien Lucas
West Ham United are in desperate need of extra firepower and should raid Celtic if a move for Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge fails.
The Hammers are languishing in 17th place in the Premier League, one point off the bottom three as their disastrous second season under Slaven Bilic unravels with each passing week. Knocked out of Europe by Romanian minnows FC Astra, eight defeats from 13 games and the second worst defence in the league tells its own story. But West Ham's profligacy is as much to blame with Diafra Sakho the only Hammers striker to have scored a single goal this season, 20 competitive games in. Sakho and fellow African Hammers striker Andre Ayew both look likely to be away for the African Nations in January further exacerbating the situation. Bilic has been linked with a move for Liverpool and England striker Daniel Sturridge to try and solve that problem, as reported by the likes of The Express.
But Jurgen Klopp last week insisted none of his squad was up for sale in January despite Sturridge slipping down the pecking order at Anfield. Should that move fail to materialise, the East Londoners should waste no time raiding Scottish champions Celtic for former Fulham striker Moussa Dembele. The 20-year-old Frenchman has scored 17 goals in 28 appearances for the Hoops since signing from Fulham in the summer. And the Paris Saint Germain academy product has the attributes West Ham need to start scoring the goals that will help them climb the league. His pace and movement would give fellow Frenchman Dimitri Payet an outlet and he could also work well alongside fit again Andy Carroll.
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West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan hands backing to under-fire Slaven Bilic - "In hard times families pull together"
The Hammers have fallen to 17th in the Premier League, having won just three of their 14 matches so far this term
BYALEX RICHARDS
08:35, 6 DEC 2016UPDATED08:35, 6 DEC 2016
The Mirror
West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has handed his backing to under-fire manager Slaven Bilic. The Hammers were beaten 5-1 at the London Stadium by Arsenal on Saturday, disintegrating in the second period as Arsene Wenger's men scored four times in the second 45'. Bilic was highly critical of his side after the game, hitting out at his players' lack of intensity on the training field.
Having led the side to a seventh place finish in his debut campaign last term, Bilic's side have won just three games so far this term, and currently lie 17th in the table, one point above the drop zone. However Sullivan, who held talks with Bilic on Monday, has urged the club to stay united, and says that the "amazing job" Bilic did last season cannot be forgotten. "We are refusing to make excuses though and the players will know that the performance was not good enough and we need to show a lot more if we are to get back on the winning trail. "I saw Slaven's comments after the game and as always he was completely honest with his assessment. Slaven cares passionately about the Football Club and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone. "I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around. "We cannot forget the amazing job that Slaven did in his first season at the Club. With a bit more luck he could have taken us into the top four. "His passion, commitment and outstanding track record at the highest level were among the many reasons we appointed Slaven in the summer of 2015. "Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. "We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together."
West Ham head to Liverpool on Sunday, looking to end a run of six games without a win.
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic makes decision following Rio Ferdinand's offer to return as coach
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United have struggled this season, prompting their former defender to offer to return in a coaching capacity. A report in the Daily Mirror has suggested that Slaven Bilic has rejected Rio Ferdinand's offer to return to West Ham to work with the defence following their terrible start to the season. Ferdinand recently stated that he would like to help his first professional club after watching them fall to another heavy defeat at the weekend, and the Mirror reports that the Hammers hierarchy were keen for the move to happen.
However, the Mirror now adds that Bilic - who played alongside Ferdinand during their time together with the Irons - has insisted that he is happy with the backroom team he currently has at his disposal, and thus, does not intend to bring the 38-year-old in, despite the growing pressure on his shoulders.
While the presence of Bilic and current West Ham coach Julian Dicks suggests that the club do have enough knowledge to help the back-line, it is clear that things need to change at the London Stadium if the Hammers do not want to be dragged into a relegation battle.
Currently, the Irons are one place and one point above the bottom three following their 5-1 defeat at home to Arsenal at the weekend. And while they have hardly been prolific in front of goal, the slightly more alarming statistic is the fact that only bottom side Swansea City have conceded more league goals this term. Therefore, it is somewhat understandable if the board decided that a person with Ferdinand's experience coming in would be a good addition, but Bilic appears to be confident about the current backroom team's chances of turning the club's fortunes around.
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